Arteta’s biggest worries – Havertz and injuries
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 30.09.23. | 10:04
Newly recruited forward has not shine since the high-profile move from Chelsea
During this week, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta had three tasks: to lift up the mood of his new recruit Kai Havertz, to ask the team doctor about the status of his large number of injured players and to tactically prepare his team against Bournemouth, whose coach is Andoni Iraola, Arteta’s friend for over 30 years. Paid 65 million euros, the German international is the subject of fan forum talks (and journalists’ questions), considering his poor form. Even though Arsenal is still unbeaten in this campaign, Havertz’s stats column is one big zero: zero goals, zero assists. It's too little for the Champions League winner and such a high-paid player.
He has been on the substitutes' bench for the past two Premier League matches, against Everton and Tottenham and Arteta said he is trying to help the 24-year-old "as much as possible".
"Be next to him, give him the tools, give him the confidence and give him the minutes to exploit his talent. There are so many parts of his game that he's doing exceptionally well and we know the one that needs to keep improving. But as always, with any player, it's about giving support -- especially when you see a player that does what he does every single day and the way he tries, the way he applies himself. You give them support and more tools and if they don't perform, it's because of us. The amount of time that he's played with these forward players is three or four times, and we're going to have to carry on doing that. We certainly try to give him as much support and confidence as we possibly can because that's going to help him for sure" said the Spaniard.
And while the German forward needs a bit of confidence boost and ‘cuddling’ from the manager, Arteta has other problems as well – injuries. Against his good friend (and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola), he will have to be without some of his key players: Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice (injuries since Spurs derby, haven’t trained), William Saliba and Fabio Vieira (they have suffered setbacks.). Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard missed the derby and Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey have been sidelined for a number of weeks. So, apart from the last two players, it will be race against time for others, and even the Gunners coach won’t know for sure who will be available.
"Are they fit enough? Have they done enough to be able to be selected tomorrow and that's the question mark. We need them, so hopefully today we get some good news" said Arteta.
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 7
Saturday
14:30: (2.75) Aston Villa (3.60) Brighton (2.60)
17:00: (1.58) Everton (3.80) Luton (6.50)
17:00: (9.00) Wolverhampton (5.00) Man.City (1.35)
17:00: (1.47) West Ham (4.40) Sheffield Utd (6.75)
17:00: (1.33) Newcastle (5.50) Burnley (8.50)
17:00: (1.57) Man.Utd. (4.00) Crystal Palace (6.00)
17:00: (5.70) Bournemouth (4.00) Arsenal (1.60)
19:30: (3.15) Tottenham (3.70) Liverpool (2.30)
Sunday
16:00: (2.85) Nott.Forest (3.20) Brentford (2.75)
Monday
22:00: (3.80) Fulham (3.50) Chelsea (2.10)
***odds are subject to change***
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