Mikel Arteta would be making the worst mistake of the season if he starts one Arsenal star vs Girona

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Arsenal travel to Spain to take on Girona in their final league phase game of this season’s Champions League.

The Gunners have had their problems in the Premier League, but they have been fantastic in Europe. They are third in the table going into the final game week and are almost certain to automatically qualify for the knockout stage of the competition.

Girona were one of the surprise packages in La Liga last season. They finished third, but things have been a bit more difficult this campaign – they are currently eighth in Spain and 31st in the Champions League.

Arsenal, however, are still expected to name a strong lineup, but one player simply must not play on Wednesday night.

Mikel Arteta should rest Kai Havertz for Girona vs Arsenal

Kai Havertz is one of Arsenal’s most important players.

The Germany international has played 31 games in all competitions for Arsenal this season, and he has barely had a break recently.

Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka’s injuries have forced him to play every minute of every game over the last few weeks, and that has not been ideal at all.

At the end of the win against Wolves last weekend, Havertz looked shattered and fell to the ground right after the full-time whistle. Two Arsenal physios had to help him up.

It is clear that Havertz needs a break.

Yes, Arsenal don’t have a proper replacement for him, but pushing him to start against Girona in a game in which a point is enough to qualify would be silly.

If Arteta risks Havertz and the German gets injured, it would make the decision the worst of the season by a country mile.

That cannot happen. Arsenal’s season will be over on all fronts if they lose Havertz.

READ MORE: The big Kai Havertz stat which proves he is an unfair scapegoat at Arsenal

Arsenal have an academy star who can replace Kai Havertz vs Girona

Jesus’ injury means Arsenal don’t have a natural centre-forward right now.

Leandro Trossard can play there as a false nine, while Gabriel Martinelli can also slot in to replace Havertz if he is rested on Wednesday night.

However, there is also an Arsenal Academy graduate who deserves a chance.

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji came on as a substitute in Arsenal’s last Champions League game, and we think he should get a start against Girona.

However, whether Arteta will consider that remains to be seen.