Mikel Arteta says that there are “big questions” about Kai Havertz and Gabriel's recovery after the operation that Arsenal could force to change their transfer plans.
The Gunners still falter after the Brazilian star Gabriel was excluded for the season after an operation for a hamstring injury that was picked up in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Fulham.
He joins Striker Havertz in the Medical Chamber – with the German display of a return the next term after hamstring operation in February, while Gabriel Jesus and Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu are out until the end of 2025.
Arsenal -Baas Arteta As before said this summer's transfer star – with the new sports director Andrea Berta through the door – will be a “big” because they want to sign an elite no. 9.
Yet the Spaniard now says that they might have to adjust their goals based on how Gabriel and Havertz return to the preseason and whether a much deeper team is needed to protect the pair against being pushed too hard at their return.
In anticipation of the journey from Arsenal to Everton on Saturday, about how difficult it is to plan the summer with the injuries they have, Arteta explained: “It makes it harder.
“There are some players who will start the season after surgical intervention and that is always a big question mark.
“We don't know how capable those players will be to keep busy periods.
“Let's see if it influences our transfer plans, but we must be very aware of it.
“There are many uncertainties with regard to what some of those players will be able to deal, especially for the first five, six months of the season.”
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Arsenal has now had four players who suffer from hamstring injuries this season.
Gabriel Martinelli was out for a month earlier this year, while Bukayo Saka only made his comeback against the cottagers in midweek of an OP in December.
Havertz could be back in training by June, but Gabriel is confronted with a tough fight to return before the start of the following season at the beginning of August.
Arteta has hit back to those who criticize the club's training and medical methods, suggesting that it is something that they “cannot control”.
He was forced to rest Gabriel in the middle for matches against Manchester United and Fulham in December with a tight hamstring and he added: “I was very tempted to play him.
“If I had played him and he had the injury he has now sustained and missed (cut gesture) for four months, I would be hammered.
“So, sometimes when the player is fully protected, this also happens. There is an element that we cannot control.”
Ben White and Jurrien Timber, both with Kniezang, also doubt the quarterfinals of the Champions League first leg at Real Madrid for today, as well as Tuesday evening.
Timber bumped late against Fulham and the defensive duo will be confronted for the Goodison collision on Saturday morning for late fitness tests.
In the meantime, Saka is insisting on starting for the first time since December 21, after seven minutes in a Cameo from the bank scoring in Tuesday's comeback.
Arteta added: “He needs exposure and he is going to get exposure. It is clear in the past two days, he demands more, so that's a good sign.”
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