Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged that he faces a significant decision in selecting a replacement for the injured Kai Havertz.
Havertz, 25, is Arsenal’s top scorer this season with 15 goals in 34 games. However, he is unlikely to play again this season after suffering a severe hamstring injury during a warm-weather training camp. The club confirmed on Friday that he will require surgery.
Reflecting on the incident, Arteta explained: “We were having a productive camp in Dubai—recharging, training, and reconnecting with nature—when the injury happened unexpectedly. He was attempting to block a shot after a set-piece, stretched his leg, and felt his hamstring.”
With Havertz sidelined, fans immediately questioned who would replace him. During Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday, Arteta, 42, opted to start Raheem Sterling. However, Sterling struggled to make an impact and was substituted in the 69th minute for Mikel Merino. The decision proved crucial, as Merino scored twice to secure the win, narrowing the gap to league leaders Liverpool to four points ahead of their game against Wolves on Sunday.
Before the match, Arteta hinted at considering an alternative option to lead the attack. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, part of TNT Sports’ broadcast team, suggested Riccardo Calafiori as a potential choice in an advanced role.
When asked about this possibility, Arteta responded: “It’s been done before. Players like him have the ability to be a threat, especially when the game is compact in the box and against low defensive blocks. It’s an option we have.”
Although primarily a left-back or center-back, the 22-year-old Italy international has demonstrated his attacking ability this season. He scored a spectacular long-range goal in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City in September and recently netted a well-taken half-volley in the 1-0 win over Wolves on January 25.
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