With Saka, Martinelli, and Havertz Sidelined, Gunners Face Uphill Battle to Catch Liverpool
Arsenal’s quest to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool has taken a dramatic turn for the worse, as a mounting injury crisis threatens to derail their season. The Gunners, already six points behind Liverpool—a gap that could stretch to nine if the Reds win their game in hand—now face the daunting task of navigating crucial fixtures without key players Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and, most recently, Kai Havertz.
The situation has gone from tricky to near-impossible for Mikel Arteta’s side. Saka is sidelined until March, Martinelli is out for a month, and Havertz has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. To make matters worse, Gabriel Jesus is also unavailable, leaving Arsenal without any of their preferred striking options. The only fit forward regularly available is Leandro Trossard, with Raheem Sterling and young Ethan Nwaneri likely to shoulder additional responsibilities.
Havertz’s absence, in particular, is a significant blow. While the German international has faced criticism for his goal-scoring record, his contributions extend far beyond the scoresheet. A versatile creator, relentless presser, and aerial threat, Havertz has been instrumental in Arsenal’s attacking play. Replacing his unique skill set on such short notice is a challenge Arteta must now tackle head-on, starting with their next Premier League game this Sunday.
The Gunners’ struggles in front of goal are not solely down to Havertz, however. The team as a whole has struggled to create chances, ranking seventh in expected goals and 11th in shots per game. Their current position as the league’s second-highest scorers is largely due to their clinical finishing, with Arsenal leading the Premier League in shooting percentage (38%) and goals-per-shot (14%). Havertz’s individual metrics (43% shooting accuracy and 17% goals-per-shot) have been crucial in maintaining this efficiency, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in the attack.
Despite the setbacks, there is a glimmer of hope for Arsenal. Saka and Martinelli are expected to return in the coming weeks, offering a much-needed boost to the squad. In the meantime, Arteta will need to get creative with his lineup, potentially deploying Martin Ødegaard in a wider role or relying on Sterling to rediscover his form.
The fixture list offers some respite, with matches against Leicester, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United in the coming weeks. Only the trip to Forest’s City Ground stands out as a significant challenge. In the Champions League, Arsenal’s Round of 16 tie against Juventus, Milan, PSV, or Feyenoord should be manageable, even with their depleted squad.
However, the odds are stacked against Arsenal. Liverpool’s near-perfect injury record and relentless form make catching them a monumental task. With their attacking options severely limited and the margins for error razor-thin, the Gunners’ title hopes are hanging by a thread. Arteta and his team must dig deep to keep their season alive, but the road ahead looks increasingly treacherous.
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