Arsenal’s best starting line-up after Havertz injury blow, ‘big talent’ in number nine role | OneFootball

Arsenal have had a frustrating campaign with plenty of untimely injuries.

The Gunners have been hampered heavily in the forward department. They are expected to be without four forwards over the forthcoming games.

Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka have been on the sidelines for a while, and Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz have joined the attacking duo this month.

Havertz has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

Let’s look at how Arsenal could line up after their latest injury setback.

Youngster set for a key role with Arsenal

David Raya will obviously start in goal. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are the club’s undisputed pairing in the heart of the defence.

With Ben White’s long injury lay-off due to knee surgery, Jurrien Timber should continue at right-back.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is ahead of Riccardo Calafiori in the pecking order at left-back amid his impressive form since his breakthrough earlier this campaign.

Thomas Partey is undoubtedly Arsenal’s best defensive midfielder. Declan Rice should continue as a central midfielder alongside Martin Odegaard.

Manager Mikel Arteta has no room to rotate further forward with Jesus, Saka, Martinelli and Havertz out.

Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri will probably start in the front three.

Arteta talked up the possibility of Nwaneri playing as a number nine. The Spaniard has described the 17-year-old as a ‘big talent‘ and could fast track him in the role.

Trossard should play on the left wing, where he is most effective. Sterling has been far from impressive on loan but should get the nod on the right flank.

How Arsenal could line up after Havertz injury blow