Mikel Arteta is already planning for how Arsenal will cope without the injured Bukayo Saka.
Bukayo Saka limped off in the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Saka was spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches, aggravating fears that he had sustained a serious issue.
Mikel Arteta has now confirmed that Saka will be sidelined for a number of weeks, meaning that the Gunners will have to negotiate a tough January fixture schedule without their talismanic winger.
On top of that, Raheem Sterling is also injured, meaning that one potential option to provide cover for Saka on the right flank is off the table too.
Mikel Arteta lists Bukayo Saka replacements
Arteta has other options he can call upon in this part of the pitch.
Gabriel Martinelli impressed on the right wing against Crystal Palace on Saturday, when he moved across to that flank after Saka was withdrawn.
In his press conference today, as quoted by Football.London, Arteta praised the Brazilian’s past efforts in that role, and also listed Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz as other contenders to take Saka’s place during his absence.
He said: “He’s [Martinelli] played there before and he played there against Everton in the last match of last season. He did really well. He’s a good option to have. We are on it.
“Gabi [Jesus] has played there, Ethan [Nwaneri] has played there, Leo [Trossard] can play there in relation to how the unit moves. Kai [Havertz] can play there. We will talk to them and understand how they feel about it.”
Can Kai Havertz play on the right wing for Arsenal?
Havertz was a surprise inclusion in that list, as he has never featured on the right wing for Arsenal before.
The German has very occasionally taken up that position earlier in his career and on the international stage, but it is not where he is at his most comfortable, or where his style of play is most suited for.
As a tall, physical presence who perhaps lacks a little pace, the former Chelsea man is naturally suited to a more central role.
However, as Arteta included Havertz in his list, it is clear that he is seriously considering him as a candidate to cover for Saka.
Meanwhile, the mention of Nwaneri bodes well for the 17-year-old. The Hale End academy wonderkid is still waiting for his first Premier League start, but may now be afforded that landmark due to Saka’s absence.
As a left-footer, Nwaneri is a natural replacement for Saka, given that the latter’s style of play is based around cutting inside onto his stronger foot.
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