Arsenal star Kai Havertz is missing from his side’s clash with Brentford, coming as a huge blow to Mikel Arteta.
The forward, who has played in midfield recently, has been ever-present in the side since joining from Chelsea.
Whether it’s scoring goals or winning duels, Havertz has been a crucial part of the team, even if he isn’t the clinical option many were hoping for.
For Arsenal, the lack of the German international comes as a blow going for the clash against Brentford.
He wasn’t the only star not featuring though, as Declan Rice was named on the bench in another slight injury blow.
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Mikel Arteta explains why Kai Havertz and Declan Rice missed Arsenal clash with Brentford
With Havertz missing, alongside Rice, there were wholesale changes in the midfield as Arteta named Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino alongside Martin Odegaard in the central ranks.
The changes came as a slight surprise, as rumours surrounding illness in the squad came with some huge fears over which players would be available.
Speaking on the team ahead of the game, Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports: “Kai wasn’t feeling good, a few players as well like this, that’s normal. Declan had to come off the other day with the second time he had a niggle.”
It shows that while Havertz is out through illness, Rice has been put on the bench due to slight fitness concerns.
Arsenal will be hoping that the pair will be available as soon as possible, while their absences are covered in the team against Brentford.
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Arsenal squad depth a problem once again vs Brentford
One of the issues that has come through the latest round of injuries and illness is the lack of squad depth for Arsenal.
The forward line is a particular problem, with Leandro Trossard the only senior player on the bench who can feature and make a difference.
That is while Ethan Nwaneri is making his first Premier League start on the right flank, with some hope that he can make an impact.
It shows the reliance that is being had on the academy ranks at this moment, however in the long-term there may need to be other senior options depended upon.
Who that might be, especially with the January transfer window now here, remains to be seen.
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