Arsenal have been handed an unwanted setback after Kai Havertz suffered a suspected hamstring injury. The German forward is now waiting for further medical assessment to determine the severity of the problem and how long he could be unavailable.
The timing is particularly frustrating for Mikel Arteta. Havertz had made a positive start to the season, scoring in three of Arsenal’s first four matches.
His injury could now force Arteta to make another adjustment in attack, especially with Leeds United next on Arsenal’s schedule.
There are three potential solutions available to the Arsenal manager. Viktor Gyokeres is the most obvious option, while Mikel Merino has already demonstrated that he can operate as a centre-forward. Then there is an unexpected possibility in the form of summer signing Igor Tyjon.
Kai Havertz Injury Comes at a Difficult Time
Havertz had recently returned to the Arsenal side alongside Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.
The trio had only just played together again after more than a year apart because of injuries suffered at different stages.
That reunion now faces another interruption following Havertz’s suspected hamstring problem.
The extent of the injury remains important because Arsenal’s next decisions will depend heavily on how long Havertz is expected to be unavailable.
The situation could also test the depth of Arteta’s attacking options.
The key possibilities currently available to Arsenal include:
- Viktor Gyokeres as the most natural replacement.
- Mikel Merino as an experienced alternative in a more advanced role.
- Igor Tyjon as an outside option who could provide a pathway for a young player.
Viktor Gyokeres Is the Natural Replacement
The most obvious solution is Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swedish striker was brought in to provide Arsenal with a major attacking option and enjoyed an impressive campaign last season. He finished as the club’s leading scorer, registering 21 goals as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached two domestic cup finals.
His situation has been different at the beginning of this season.
Gyokeres has made only two starts, with both coming outside the Premier League, and he is still waiting for his first goal of the campaign.
That limited involvement has also created questions about his position in Arteta’s plans. Before the summer window closed, there were even reports linking Gyokeres with a potential departure as Arsenal were associated with a move for Julian Alvarez.
However, Havertz’s injury could change the situation.
Gyokeres has one major advantage: he is available and already part of the first-team squad.
If Havertz is forced to miss an extended period, the injury could provide Gyokeres with the opportunity to regain his place and demonstrate that he can fit into Arteta’s attacking system.
Mikel Merino Offers a Proven Alternative
Mikel Merino provides another option for Arteta.
Although the Spain international is naturally a midfielder, he is no stranger to playing further forward.
Arsenal have previously used Merino as a centre-forward during periods when attacking options were limited. His performances in that role have provided evidence that he can contribute despite playing outside his natural position.
Merino has made 23 appearances as a centre-forward for Arsenal, producing 10 goals and six assists.
Those numbers give Arteta a useful alternative if he wants experience rather than introducing another specialist striker.
Merino has also contributed in important matches.
He has scored or assisted against Sunderland and Chelsea, while also providing an assist in the North London derby last season.
His Champions League experience adds another dimension.
During the 2024/2025 season, Merino scored against Real Madrid at the Emirates before producing two assists in Arsenal’s victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
That experience could make him a reliable short-term solution if Arteta needs flexibility in attack.
Igor Tyjon Could Be Arsenal’s Surprise Option
The third possibility is perhaps the least expected.
Igor Tyjon is a young forward who joined Arsenal during the summer after completing a transfer from Blackburn Rovers.
At just 18 years old, Tyjon is unlikely to immediately become Arteta’s first choice in the Premier League. However, Havertz’s injury could create an opportunity for the teenager to move closer to the senior squad.
Tyjon is a youth international for England and Poland and already has experience playing senior football with Blackburn.
That experience could help him if Arteta decides to give him an opportunity.
His immediate priority would likely be impressing with Arsenal’s U-21 side. Strong performances there could increase his chances of receiving opportunities with the senior team.
For now, Tyjon remains an outside option rather than an established replacement for Havertz.
Could the League Cup Give Tyjon His Chance?
One possible opportunity for Tyjon could come in the League Cup against Fleetwood Town.
Such a match could provide Arteta with an appropriate environment to assess a young player while also managing the workload of his more established squad members.
It could also give Tyjon a chance to demonstrate whether he is ready to handle a higher level of football.
However, much will depend on Havertz’s medical assessment and the way Arsenal’s schedule develops.
Arteta does not necessarily need to make a permanent change if Havertz’s absence turns out to be short.
Arsenal’s Three Options After Havertz Injury
The situation gives Arteta three distinctly different choices.
1. Viktor Gyokeres
The most natural solution. He is an established first-team striker and already has a proven scoring record from last season.
2. Mikel Merino
A flexible option with considerable experience playing as a centre-forward for Arsenal. His previous goal contributions show that he can perform the role effectively.
3. Igor Tyjon
The wildcard. The 18-year-old would represent a more experimental choice, but his senior experience with Blackburn gives him a foundation to build on.
For Arsenal, the final decision will ultimately depend on the severity of Kai Havertz’s injury.
If the German forward is unavailable for only a short period, Arteta may simply rotate his existing options. A longer absence, however, could give Gyokeres an important opportunity to establish himself again.
Merino remains a tested alternative, while Tyjon could emerge as the surprise name if Arsenal decide to give youth a chance.
For now, Arsenal must wait for clarity on Havertz’s hamstring problem. The diagnosis could determine not only who replaces him against Leeds United, but also how Arteta manages his attack in the weeks that follow.
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