Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.
The 26-year-old Germany international was not part of an open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday morning.
Assessments are at an early stage so the prognosis and duration of any lay-off is unclear.
Arsenal are, however, actively exploring the transfer market to potentially reinforce their attack and cover the absence of Havertz.
New signing Viktor Gyokeres is now the only recognised striker fit and available in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Leandro Trossard, who has recently agreed to a new contract with the club, has also featured there previously.
Gabriel Jesus, a more tried and tested option, is still recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in January and is not expected back for some time.
What Havertz injury could mean for Arsenal and their attack
Despite the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, Germany international Kai Havertz has remained a big part of Arteta’s plans. He missed much of the second half of last season after undergoing hamstring surgery, and the decision to sign Gyokeres was made partly to ensure Arsenal would have sufficient depth and quality in the centre-forward position. If Havertz is out for a prolonged period again, it arguably puts them back where they started.
It’s now utterly essential that Gyokeres stays fit, and makes a swift adaptation to life in the Premier League. Currently, Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard would be the Sweden international’s immediate back-ups.
The prognosis for Havertz may also have an impact on Arsenal’s plans in the remainder of the transfer window. If Havertz has to undergo surgery, or faces several months on the sidelines, they may have to consider re-entering the market to strengthen their attack.
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