Ian Wright snubs Viktor Gyokeres and names his replacement for injured Kai Havertz | Football
Ian Wright is hopeful Mikel Merino can return in time to solve a problem for Arsenal up front after Kai Havertz’s injury.
Arsenal sealed a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday that moved them three points clear at the top of the Premier League once again.
But there was concern for Havertz and goal scorer Eberechi Eze who were both forced off.
Eze was able to return to the pitch and celebrate the victory with his teammates at full-time, later telling Sky Sports his substitution was a precautionary measure.
But there will be more concern for Havertz. The Germany international pulled up after 33 minutes with an issue with his groin or upper leg area.
He went straight down the tunnel for treatment with Viktor Gyokeres brought onto replace him.
The Sweden international has scored 18 goals in his first season in England but was dropped by Mikel Arteta in favour of Havertz for their biggest game of the season against Manchester City last week.
Gyokeres started on the bench again against Newcastle with some of his limitations again on show late on with a poor pass in added time that halted a counter attack that could have killed the game.
Wright fears Havertz could be out for a ‘lengthy’ period with Gyokeres expected to return to return to the starting XI if the German is unavailable for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid.
While Gabriel Jesus is also an option, the Arsenal legend is eager to see Merino return to his role as an auxiliary striker.
The Spain international has been ruled out since February with a foot injury but hopes to return before the end of the campaign.
After it was suggested Gyokeres will now be tasked with leading the line, Wright told Premier League Productions: ‘Maybe [it will be Gyokeres] but I am hearing Merino is on his way back as well.
‘I don’t know how fit he will be but he is similar to Havertz in the way he can link the play. He is great finisher in the box so fingers crossed he can come back in the next week, two weeks and fill that gap.’
Wright was concerned with the manner in which Havertz left the pitch and fears the former Chelsea star could face a ‘lengthy’ period out.
‘I’m quite concerned when you consider he has broken down again. You can see how disappointed he is and you can tell when you see someone walking off like that… you can see the difference in Eze walking off and the difference in Havertz walking off.
‘Eze is saying he’s alright and it’s precautionary. But with Havertz, that looks like a lengthy one.’
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Ian Wright snubs Viktor Gyokeres and names his replacement for injured Kai Havertz | Football
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