Mikel Arteta has expressed uncertainty regarding the recoveries of Kai Havertz and Gabriel following their surgeries. This situation could potentially force Arsenal to reconsider their transfer strategies for the upcoming window.
Arsenal is facing the setback of losing key defender Gabriel for the rest of the season. He sustained a hamstring injury during their recent 2-1 victory against Fulham and subsequently underwent surgery.
Gabriel joins Havertz on the injury list. The German player is aiming to return next season after undergoing hamstring surgery in February. Additionally, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are expected to remain sidelined until the end of 2025.
Arsenal manager Arteta had previously mentioned that this summer`s transfer window would be significant, especially with the arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta, as they aim to recruit a top-level striker.
However, Arteta now suggests that their transfer objectives might need to be modified depending on the recovery progress of Gabriel and Havertz as they return for pre-season. The club must consider whether a larger squad is necessary to carefully manage the workload of these players upon their return.
Speaking before Arsenal`s upcoming game against Everton on Saturday, Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of planning for the summer transfer window given the current injury situation. He stated, “It makes it harder.”
“Some players will be starting the season after surgery, and that always brings uncertainty.
“We are unsure how well these players will be able to handle a busy schedule.
“We will see if this impacts our transfer plans, but we need to be mindful of it.
“There are many uncertainties regarding what some of these players will be capable of, particularly in the first five to six months of the season.”
Arsenal has experienced four hamstring injuries within the team this season.
Gabriel Martinelli was absent for a month earlier in the year, and Bukayo Saka recently returned against Fulham after recovering from surgery in December.
Havertz might resume training by June, but Gabriel faces a challenging recovery to be fit before the beginning of next season in early August.
Arteta defended the club’s training and medical approaches against criticism, stating that injuries are sometimes “beyond our control.”
He had previously rested center-back Gabriel for matches against Manchester United and Fulham in December due to a tight hamstring. Arteta added, “I was very tempted to play him.”
“If I had played him and he sustained the current injury, causing him to miss four months, I would have faced severe criticism.”
“So, even when players are carefully managed, these things can still happen. There are elements we simply cannot control.”
Ben White and Jurrien Timber are also uncertain for today’s game due to knee issues, as well as the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next Tuesday.
Timber sustained a knock late in the Fulham match, and both defenders will undergo late fitness assessments on Saturday morning before the Everton game.
Meanwhile, Saka is eager to start for the first time since December 21. He marked his return with a goal just seven minutes after coming off the bench in Tuesday’s game.
Arteta commented, “He needs game time, and he will get it. In the last couple of days, he’s been pushing for more, which is a positive sign.”
