As if Arsenal’s injury luck couldn’t get any worse, another issue comes back to bite Mikel Arteta before an important run of fixtures.
The forward line has been a particular concern for the manager lately, with Kai Havertz’s hamstring injury being the latest to join a long list of absentees.
Havertz will be out for the rest of the season, which means Arsenal’s clash with Leicester City over the weekend will see some changes.
- Premier League
-
LeicesterLeicester
ArsenalArsenal
-
As there are no recognised out-and-out striker options, while those available on the wings are in short supply themselves, Mikel Arteta could turn to the Arsenal academy.
Some Hale End gems have a chance to shine in the Premier League and here’s a look at just three who could be given a shot.
- READ MORE: Arsenal fans are all ‘fuming’ with the Kroenkes and the board after what just happened in Dubai
Charles Sagoe Jr could get Arsenal chance
Charles Sagoe Jr recently made his return to Arsenal following a difficult spell on loan with League One side Shrewsbury Town.
The 20-year-old wasn’t given much game time to build up the momentum needed with the relegation battlers – failing to score or assist across all competition.
Sagoe Jr has shown some bright sparks for the Gunners in the youth ranks and while he is mainly a winger who can play on either flank, he does have some experience at centre-forward.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji can play at striker for Arsenal
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji was linked with an Arsenal transfer exit in the January window, but didn’t make the move elsewhere and stayed at the club.
The 22-year-old has proven himself at youth level, scoring eight goals and assisting six in 13 appearances across all competitions for the under-21s this season.
Butler-Oyedeji can play as a centre-forward as well as on the wings, making an appearance for the Gunners in the Champions League earlier this season against Dinamo Zagreb.
While the forward has had difficult spells, failing to score on loan switches to Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham, he may well provide the attacking option that Arteta needs right now.
Andre Harriman-Annous may find Arsenal chance
Seemingly the next Hale End gem, Andre Harriman-Annous is really starting to make his mark in the youth ranks.
The 17-year-old has been plying his trade as a centre-forward as of late, finding some success at under-18s level.
Six goals and two assists in the U18s Premier League – and three in three in the FA Youth Cup – has seen Harriman-Annous handed chances for the under-21s.
He has three goals since the step up, with there being some real hope that he could be one to watch in the future.
Whether that development is fast-tracked to the senior team remains to be seen though.
Arsenal may call-up Khayon Edwards
The main starting centre-forward for the under-21s this season has been Khayon Edwards, who is starting to flourish.
The 21-year-old is back from a difficult loan spell at Leyton Orient in League One last season – where he made just seven appearances and failed to score.
Edwards has returned in fine form at the youth level though, scoring seven goals and assisting twice in ten Premier League 2 matches.
While the striker is yet to make an appearance for the senior team this season, he could well get an opportunity coming up.
Ismeal Kabia could get second Arsenal appearance
Another starlet who has been involved in the senior team this season is Ismeal Kabia, with the 19-year-old making his debut in the EFL Cup earlier this season.
A winger by trade, Kabia could cause a reshuffle in the team, which may allow for one of the other wide options to play as a centre-forward.
He has been involved in first-team training plenty throughout the season, with his pace and directness able to cause problems.
Kabia’s output at the youth level this season in particular hasn’t been huge, with two goals and six assists to his name, but he can provide a threat anyway.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
