Forget Kai Havertz, Arsenal cannot make goal-scoring excuses for upcoming Premier League test

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Just as Arsenal felt as though the end was in sight for their injury troubles, it has come back to wreak yet more havoc for Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners have been dealing with a cluster of issues in different parts of the team throughout the Premier League campaign so far.

At first, it was full-back absences that were all out for Mikel Arteta, though that has flipped on its head with forwards now being the unit facing the most problems.

Kai Havertz’s torn hamstring injury will now keep him out for the rest of the season, joining the treatment table with Gabriel Jesus.

There are issues for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli too, though they are expected to be back within a month.

With a lack of centre-forwards and wingers now down to the last legs, Arsenal could be forgiven for using it as a reason for some poor results.

However, in their upcoming clash, there are no excuses to be had.

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Leicester defensive record gives Arsenal hope despite Kai Havertz injury

While Arsenal are without a recognised centre-forward upon their return to Premier League action, there is still plenty of hope.

The Gunners make the trip to the Midlands over the weekend, where they take on relegation battlers Leicester City.

The Foxes are two points from safety, knowing that a win would go a long way to boosting their survival hopes this season.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
16	EvertonEverton	23	6	8	9	23	28	-5	26
17	WolvesWolves	24	5	4	15	34	52	-18	19
18	LeicesterLeicester	24	4	5	15	25	53	-28	17
19	IpswichIpswich	24	3	7	14	22	49	-27	16
20	SouthamptonSouthampton	24	2	3	19	18	54	-36	9

While Ruud van Nistelrooy could set up a team that can frustrate Arsenal, the reality is that they are defensively poor.

Having conceded the second-most goals in the Premier League this season with 53 – one behind leaders in that regard Southampton – the Foxes look fragile.

Even without the centre-forward options of Kai Havertz and Jesus, the Gunners should possess enough quality to tear open the home side.

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Who could start as a striker for Arsenal against Leicester?

For Mikel Arteta, there is still a large dilemma over which player he should pick as his centre-forward to face Leicester.

There are three fit forward options to fill three positions, with Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri the players remaining for those areas.

While it would make sense to land on a mix or match of those players in different positions at centre-forward, their skill sets may not allow for it.

Arteta may prefer a different profile there, with Mikel Merino as an auxiliary option to play as a centre-forward.

The midfielder brings height, physicality and presence, while his ability to head the ball well and find the right runs to score could be useful.

Beyond him, some Hale End academy options could be on the cards, while Arsenal could use a defender to replace Havertz in a surprise twist.