Arsenal's tactical blueprint is undergoing a visible shift, particularly concerning the positioning and utilization of midfielder Kai Havertz. This adjustment appears to be a deliberate strategy by manager Mikel Arteta, potentially in response to the team's attacking performance and the emergent form of striker Viktor Gyokeres. The implications for Havertz's role, especially when viewed alongside the team's consistent aim to secure the league title, are noteworthy.
Recent reports indicate a move to reconfigure Kai Havertz's position within the Arsenal squad. This comes at a time when Viktor Gyokeres is demonstrating significant scoring prowess, leading to questions about how these two players will co-exist. Manager Mikel Arteta has publicly addressed these changes, suggesting a nuanced approach to player deployment.
Player Availability and Recent Activity
Kai Havertz has experienced a fluctuating presence on the field, largely due to injury.
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He suffered a knee injury requiring surgery, impacting his availability for a significant period.
Havertz has only accumulated 30 minutes of Premier League football this season, with his sole appearance being on the opening weekend against Manchester United.
After being sidelined, he made a return to the bench against Aston Villa in December 2025, but was subsequently left out of two league matches, a decision attributed to load management.
He has featured as a substitute in cup competitions against Chelsea and Portsmouth.
His last full start in any competition was in February 2025.
In late January 2026, Havertz made his first start in 357 days against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League, playing the first 45 minutes as planned for match fitness. During this game, he assisted Viktor Gyokeres' opening goal and scored himself.
His return is described as providing a significant boost, with Arteta stating he brings the team to "another dimension."
Strategic Adjustments and Player Roles
Manager Mikel Arteta appears to be exploring different tactical configurations, with Havertz at the center of some of these considerations.
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There was speculation during the 2024-2025 season about Havertz's role as the team's number nine. Arteta expressed confidence in his squad's readiness but faced questions about the need for a prolific center-forward to challenge for the title.
More recently, Havertz has been deployed in a deeper midfield role, as observed in Arsenal's 3-0 win against Sunderland. This aligns with observations from his Champions League appearance, where he played in a deeper midfield position before being substituted as part of a planned fitness build-up.
Arteta has emphasized Havertz's versatility, noting his ability to operate in midfield and suggesting this is a positive asset for the squad.
The arrival of Viktor Gyokeres has naturally led to discussions about Havertz's place, but Arteta has asserted that the two players can work together effectively, highlighting the benefit of having multiple attacking options.
Emergent Form of Viktor Gyokeres
The recent performance of Viktor Gyokeres is a significant factor in the team's tactical considerations.
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Gyokeres is described as the most in-form striker in the Premier League.
He scored twice off the bench against Sunderland, bringing his total to six goals in his last eight appearances.
He also scored the opening goal against Kairat Almaty, assisted by Havertz.
Tactical Puzzle for the Manager
The confluence of Havertz's return and Gyokeres' strong form presents a tactical challenge for Mikel Arteta.
The presence of Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz has created a "striker puzzle" for the manager.
Arteta has expressed satisfaction with the contributions of both Gyokeres and Havertz in pre-season, indicating that their elevated standards will benefit the entire squad.
The team's overall objective remains to clinch the Premier League title, necessitating optimal deployment of all available talent.
"Mikel Arteta has explained why Kai Havertz played deeper in midfielder for Arsenal in their 3-0 win against Sunderland. His move to a deeper role comes at a time when Viktor Gyokeres is the most in-form striker in the Premier League."
"Arteta went on to say that having multiple attacking options was a positive dilemma to have after going through last season without a recognised No 9."
"We wanted to start him [Havertz] as well so he could do all the process before that in the best possible way. That is what we planned, for him to play the first 45 minutes."
Expert Perspectives and Team Dynamics
Arteta has consistently supported Havertz, lauding his versatility and character, especially during his recovery from injury.
The manager's approach seems geared towards managing player fitness while integrating returning players into a competitive setup.
The need for Arsenal to "close the gap" on competitors suggests a strategic imperative to maximize the effectiveness of all players.
Conclusion
Kai Havertz's return from injury marks a potential turning point for Arsenal's attacking options. Mikel Arteta's strategy appears to involve leveraging Havertz's versatility, particularly in a deeper midfield role, while also acknowledging the significant impact of Viktor Gyokeres' current scoring form. The manager's public statements suggest a deliberate plan to integrate both players and utilize their strengths to achieve the club's title ambitions. The tactical decisions made in the coming matches will offer further insight into how this "striker puzzle" is ultimately solved.
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Sources:
BBC Sport: Details Havertz's desire to play and planned minutes after injury.
Now Arsenal: Discusses Arteta's confidence in Havertz's role as a number nine amidst transfer speculation.
https://www.nowarsenal.com/latest-news/mikel-arteta-reveals-the-position-kai-havertz-will-play-next-season/
The Standard: Reports on Havertz's limited Premier League time due to knee surgery and load management.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-havertz-latest-arteta-injury-b1267897.html
ESPN: Highlights Havertz's return to the starting lineup after surgery, assisting and scoring in a Champions League match.
https://www.espn.com/football/story//id/47759389/arteta-havertz-return-arsenal-another-level
Football.London: Covers Arteta's confidence in Havertz and Gyokeres playing together after a friendly match.
https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/mikel-arteta-makes-huge-kai-havertz-32238184
Arsenal Insider: Discusses Arteta's view on Havertz's versatility and potential new role, especially if Gyokeres arrives.
https://www.arsenalinsider.com/opinion/kai-havertz-set-for-the-season-of-his-life-in-new-arsenal-role-as-mikel-arteta-states-what-he-will-definitely-do/
FOX Sports: Reports on Havertz's imminent return from injury, seen as a significant boost for Arsenal.
https://www.foxsports.com/articles/soccer/matter-of-days-arsenal-set-for-big-injury-boost-as-mikel-arteta-reveals-imminent-kai-havertz-return
Sky Sports (The Radar): Frames the availability of Gyokeres, Jesus, and Havertz as a selection puzzle for Arteta.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12037/13497703/viktor-gyokeres-gabriel-jesus-and-kai-havertz-give-arsenal-boss-mikel-arteta-a-striker-puzzle-to-solve-the-radar
Inkl (via unnamed source, likely mirroring another publication): Explains Arteta's rationale for Havertz playing deeper amidst Gyokeres' scoring form.
https://www.inkl.com/news/mikel-arteta-explains-new-arsenal-role-for-kai-havertz-amid-viktor-gyokeres-transformation
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