Why Kai Havertz must play up front for Arsenal v Manchester City if Saka is out

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If Bukayo Saka is unfit to feature against Manchester City, Kai Havertz can offer a solution for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka sustained an injury in the first half of the Gunners’ Champions League group stage clash against Lens on Tuesday evening. This could mean he is sidelined for Manchester City’s visit to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. 

If that is the case, Mikel Arteta will have some tough selection decisions to make. There is no obvious alternative option in the Arsenal squad who could replicate Saka’s influence on the right flank in the same manner.

However, the best solution would be to deploy Gabriel Jesus in the 22-year-old’s usual position. The £45 million Brazilian forward can take the ball past a full-back in either direction, and has the technical quality to effectively link up with the likes of Martin Odegaard and Ben White.

Using Jesus in place of Saka would leave a gap through the middle. Eddie Nketiah would be the obvious choice to deputise as the spearhead of the Gunners’ attack. However, Kai Havertz would be a better option to deploy against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Why Havertz up front makes sense

Havertz took on this duty against Manchester City in the Community Shield, and generally impressed. What’s more, the £280,000-a-week German’s physicality and aerial prowess make him an effective target man.

With Havertz up front, goalkeeper David Raya can seek to repeatedly bypass the Manchester City press by firing long balls up to the 24-year-old. The Spanish shot-stopper’s excellent long range distribution is one of the reasons he has usurped Aaron Ramsdale as the Arsenal No. 1. This would be the perfect time for him to showcase his skill.

With Jesus and Leandro Trossard buzzing around Havertz, looking for lay-offs and to win second balls, this route to goal could prove effective for Arsenal.

By shifting Havertz forward, Arteta can take advantage of Rodri being absent for City through suspension. With the Spanish powerhouse’s presence no longer a concern, Arsenal can now pack the middle of the park with creative technicians, opening the door for Fabio Vieira to come back into the starting XI.

Arteta may have some reservations about the reliability of Havertz’s finishing, but the same concern could exist for Jesus or Nketiah. Overall, starting the £65 million former Chelsea man up front makes sense for this match, if Saka can’t be called upon.