Mikel Arteta considers tactical changes in light of Gabriel Jesus injury

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has alluded to a possible change in Kai Havertz’s role in light of Gabriel Jesus’s recent injury.

With Jesus expected to remain on the sidelines for a few weeks due to a hamstring injury, Arteta is reassessing his attacking options in the Brazilian’s absence.

Arteta considers tactical changes in light of Gabriel Jesus injury

Eddie Nketiah has always been the go-to choice when Gabriel Jesus has been unavailable or not fully match-fit. Despite scoring just two goals in nine Premier League appearances, Arteta has voiced his support for Nketiah ahead of Arsenal’s home fixture against Sheffield United on Saturday.

When asked about Nketiah’s progress in his pre-match conference, Arteta said, “What you see where he’s coming from and what he’s done the last three or four years. At a club like Arsenal, to play as a nine, he’s made some huge strides, and it’s merit to him and his mentality.”

Arteta is also considering the possibility of utilising summer signing Kai Havertz, who has previously played as a centre-forward for Chelsea. Havertz started as a striker in Arsenal’s FA Community Shield triumph against Manchester City in August and was instrumental off the bench in the same position when Arsenal defeated Manchester City again earlier this month.

Commenting on the prospect of Havertz as a number nine, Arteta said: “Yes, we have different profiles. For Kai, the minutes that he’s played, he’s been really good. It’s good and it’s difficult for the opponent as well to figure out who will play, and I think that’s a positive for us.”

Arteta can also deploy Leandro Trossard in the centre-forward position. The Belgian had a stint as a striker in the 2-2 draw against Fulham earlier in the season, although he was substituted at halftime due to a somewhat lacklustre display.