Kai Havertz’s injury scare might actually benefit Arsenal in the long run

Arsenal fans were left panicking when Kai Havertz limped off in Germany’s draw with Netherlands on Thursday night.

Understandably so. Havertz has been integral to Arsenal this season, starting all five of their Premier League games and scoring three goals across all competitions. David Ornstein has since provided cautious optimism that the hamstring issue is not serious, which is obviously encouraging news.

But here’s the thing. This injury scare, however minor it turns out to be, might well push Arsenal into making a striker signing in January.

Mikel Arteta is clearly not sold on Viktor Gyokeres, whose performances so far this season have been very concerning, but Havertz clearly can’t play every game. The German missed significant chunks of the last two seasons through injury, and had only just returned to full sharpness.

Of course there is the alternative in reverting to Mikel Merino up front, who might genuinely be a better option than Gyokeres judging by their stats comparison. But neither are ideal for a team looking to win the Champions League. One injury and Arsenal’s entire attacking structure is immediately in question.

Arsenal need to sign an attacker in January

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a striker is Arsenal’s primary January priority, and this week has made that feel more urgent than ever. What kind of striker the Gunners will go for is unknown.

Eli Junior Kroupi is probably the most logical target. He’s a sort of ‘second striker’ profile that would add ruthless finishing quality to the side, and whom you could probably play alongside Havertz at times. Arsenal were considering an approach before his injury, but the Gunners may be reluctant to meet Bournemouth’s £100million asking price following his spell on the sidelines.

A readier, more proven option would be Victor Osimhen. He’s a ‘proper’ number nine who would bring guaranteed credibility, although there are question marks around his attitude and wage demands. But purely from a footballing perspective, the 27-year-old could make a lot of sense. And with Galatasaray considering a move for Gyokeres, perhaps a player exchange could be on the cards.

Alternatively, Arsenal may return for a left winger. Someone like Cody Gakpo or Rodrygo would address a different but equally pressing problem. The left side has been Arsenal’s most vulnerable area all season, with Christos Tzolis showing flaws and Eberechi Eze not yet nailing down the position. Perhaps Arsenal might even be tempted to make two signings in their push to claim back-to-back league titles.