Mikel Arteta explains how Kai Havertz got injured in bizarre incident that will infuriate fans

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Arsenal were hoping to return from Dubai with a refreshed squad ready to build momentum in a title charge.

However, it has not gone according to plan for Mikel Arteta as Gabriel Martinelli has been ruled out for over a month with a hamstring strain picked up in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle.

Arteta revealed positive updates on Ben White and Bukayo Saka with the defender set to return for the Premier League clash with Leicester and Saka also progressing well in his rehabilitation.

The most devastating blow however, was Kai Havertz being ruled out for the season after requiring surgery on a hamstring injury picked up in Dubai. Arteta has explained how the injury occurred.

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Mikel Arteta reveals how Kai Havertz picked up hamstring injury

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Leicester City v Arsenal, Arteta has revealed how striker Havertz picked up the injury that will force him to miss rest of the campaign.

Arteta revealed: “He was going to stop a shot after a set piece and he stretched the leg and he felt his hamstring.”

The Spaniard also discussed the impact on the squad that the injury blow to the German has had but his players are eager to react positively to the situation.

Arteta explained: “It’s part of the game and we have to deal with that. The reaction is what else do what we have to do? That is it, that is the reaction.”

Mikel Merino could be used as an emergency striker option

Arteta knows he will need to look at creative alternatives in the striker position with the loss of Havertz and Martinelli, as well as the long term injury to Gabriel Jesus.

Mikel Merino has the physical profile that the Gunners boss likes in a centre forward and has already scored against league leaders Liverpool this season.

Whether Arteta gambles on playing someone out of position at such a crucial stage of the season remains to be seen but in Merino, Arsenal would have somebody who is an aerial threat as well as a strong physical target.

Other options could include playing Leandro Trossard as a false nine but that would need runners beyond the Belgian, something that hasn’t been typical of the Gunners playing style this season.