Havertz injury inevitable,says Arteta
Mikel Arteta has suggested that Kai Havertz's season-ending injury was inevitable given the workloads placed on players.
Havertz suffered the hamstring injury during a warm weather training camp in Dubai and his absence leaves Arsenal without a recognised centre forward for the remainder of the campaign.
The 25-year-old has scored 15 goals in all competitions for the Gunners this season, with nine coming in the Premier League.
Arsenal's next-highest scorer in the league is six-goal Gabriel Martinelli, who is also currently out injured.
"With the loads and minutes, it's inevitable, It's an accident waiting to happen," Arteta said.
"This season it's the accumulation of that, the stress. Is it luck? Certainly, the schedule is demanding, and for explosive players, it becomes an issue."
With Gabriel Jesus out for the rest of the season, Leandro Trossard is now Arsenal's highest fit goalscorer with four goals, while Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri and Thomas Partey are all on three.
But Arteta believes his team is well prepared for the remainder of the season, having previously suffered long-term injuries to key players Martin Odegaard, Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the latter two still being out.
"We were having a great camp in Dubai, recharging , training, connecting with nature and different environment," he said. "Then the injury happened in unexpected way, it's a big blow because of injuries we have.
"Fortunately we have been through a lot this season, it's the challenge I have. We love it. Let's see what the team is made of."
Despite being linked with a host of attacking names during the January transfer window, such as Matheus Cunha, Alexander Isak and Evan Ferguson, Arsenal was unable to get a deal over the line to add depth to its attack.
Arteta acknowledged the difficulties his side faced, but remained philosophical about it rather than frustrated.
"When you try your best and do everything you are capable of and do your homework, you can have regrets but at least you know that you did it," he said.
