Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his frustration after Kai Havertz’s hamstring injury, calling it “an accident waiting to happen.” The 25-year-old is set to undergo surgery and will miss the rest of the season after suffering the injury during the club’s winter training camp in Dubai earlier this week.
Injury Crisis Deepens at Arsenal
With Gabriel Jesus also sidelined until next season due to knee surgery, and further injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal now face an attacking crisis. The team is currently without a recognised No. 9, forcing Arteta to look for alternatives, including potentially signing a free agent to bolster the squad.
Despite the setbacks, Arteta remains optimistic about his team’s ability to cope. “We have played without key players like Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, and Ben White this season,” said Arteta. “So this is just another challenge ahead, and we look forward to seeing what the team is made of.”
The Impact of a Demanding Schedule
Arteta acknowledged the heavy toll the demanding schedule has taken on his players, leading to a rise in injuries. He highlighted the importance of training and recovery, especially for explosive players. “If you continue to load and load and load, it’s inevitable that injuries will happen,” Arteta explained. “The biggest problem is that we don’t train the muscle enough, which makes it vulnerable to injury.”
Although the transfer window is closed, Arsenal still has the option to sign unattached players. Arteta has kept the door open for potential signings, with former Premier League stars like Diego Costa and Mariano Diaz available on free transfers.
