Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal enter the new campaign with a pressing question: who will step up when Kai Havertz is unavailable? The striker’s injury—confirmed to require further MRI scans—has already cost the club a key piece of their attacking puzzle, with Havertz missing Germany’s international break after suffering a knee issue in Arsenal’s opening game against Manchester United. The setback isn’t just a personal blow for Havertz; it’s a tactical headache for Arteta, who now faces the challenge of balancing a front-three that has been fractured by injuries throughout the past season.
Havertz’s absence has exposed the fragility of Arsenal’s attacking depth. Last term, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, and Havertz collectively accounted for just 16th, 18th, and 21st in minutes played among the Gunners’ forwards—a direct consequence of recurring fitness issues. With both Odegaard and Havertz now sidelined, Arteta will be scrutinizing three primary options to fill the void. Gabriel Martinelli, the left-winger, has shown flashes of creativity in recent weeks, though his inconsistency remains a concern. His ability to exploit defensive gaps—particularly against teams like Brighton, where he’ll face a challenge on Wednesday—will be critical. Then there’s Bukayo Saka, whose directness and finishing have made him a reliable option, though his role in the front-three will depend on how Arteta structures the attack. Finally, there’s the wildcard: Bukayo Tamiée, the young striker who has impressed in pre-season but whose long-term impact remains unproven.
The pre-season match against Girona offers a rare opportunity to assess how Arsenal’s new signings integrate. Havertz’s return from injury last weekend was a positive sign, but his fitness levels will dictate whether he’s ready for the Leeds clash on October 10. Arteta’s preference for a two-striker system—one that pairs Havertz with either Bukayo Saka or Bukayo Tamiée—has been evident, but the absence of either could force a tactical pivot. The left-wing dynamic between Martinelli and Leandro Trossard will also be under the microscope, with Martinelli’s ability to create chances from deeper positions becoming increasingly vital. Meanwhile, the defensive reshuffle—with Ezri Konsa’s arrival complicating the backline—adds another layer of complexity. Konsa’s versatility at right-back or centre-back could stabilize a unit weakened by the injuries of William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, but his integration will require careful management.
Beyond the immediate concerns, Havertz’s injury underscores a broader issue: Arsenal’s front-line has been a liability for too long. The striker’s three goals in seven appearances this season—including a crucial opener against Manchester United—highlight his importance, but his inconsistency has been a recurring theme. Arteta’s challenge now is to ensure that whatever solution he adopts, it doesn’t rely on a single player. The pre-season games will be a litmus test for how quickly the squad can adapt, with the first official fixture against Leeds serving as the first real benchmark. If Havertz remains unavailable, the Gunners will need to prove that their attacking options are more than just stopgaps. The stakes couldn’t be higher: a summer of signings and tactical experimentation is now being put to the test in the most high-pressure environment of all—pre-season.
