Arteta’s Ridiculous Plan For Gyokeres Revealed That Got Stopped Due to Havertz Injury

It is understood within Arsenal’s inner circles that if Kai Havertz had not suffered an untimely injury, he would have begun the 2025/26 campaign as the club’s first-choice No. 9. The plan was for Havertz to lead the line, continuing his growing influence in Mikel Arteta’s evolving attack. However, his setback opened the door for Viktor Gyökeres, who was initially expected to be eased into the side as he adapted to a new league and system.

Havertz Was Meant to Lead the Line

Havertz’s pre-season performances had reportedly convinced Arteta that the German was ready to take on the full responsibility of Arsenal’s centre-forward role. His technical control, movement between the lines, and ability to link up with Ødegaard and Saka made him an ideal fit for the fluid system that Arsenal had refined over the past year. The plan was to start the campaign with Havertz leading the attack, using Gyökeres gradually while he adjusted to the demands of English football.

But those plans were disrupted when Havertz sustained a knock shortly before the season’s start. The injury ruled him out for several weeks, forcing Arteta to accelerate Gyökeres’s integration. What was meant to be a gradual process turned into a full debut campaign under pressure, as the Swedish striker found himself leading the line immediately.

Gyökeres Thrown Into the Spotlight

Arsenal’s coaching staff had always viewed Gyökeres as a long-term investment — a player with the right profile to succeed but one who needed time to adapt to the Premier League’s pace and physicality. Coming from Portugal’s top flight, he was expected to spend his early months learning the team’s tactical rhythms and developing chemistry with Arsenal’s creative unit. However, with Havertz unavailable, those plans had to change quickly.

The decision to start Gyökeres earlier than expected came with risks, but it also presented opportunity. His natural instincts as a pure striker gave Arsenal a more traditional focal point in attack. While Havertz offers subtle link play and positional fluidity, Gyökeres brings aggression, direct runs, and a poacher’s presence in the box. This shift required Arteta to slightly adjust his attacking patterns, with greater emphasis on service from the wings and quicker transitional play.

A Tactical Twist With Promise

Despite the challenges, the unexpected switch has also highlighted Arsenal’s tactical flexibility. Arteta has been able to explore new variations in attack, using Gyökeres’s strength and work rate to stretch defenses while still maintaining the team’s signature control in possession. For a side chasing silverware, having contrasting striking profiles could prove valuable across different competitions and opponents.

Looking Ahead

Havertz’s return from injury will soon present Arteta with an intriguing dilemma — stick with the emerging Gyökeres, or revert to the original plan that centered on Havertz as the starting No. 9. Either way, Arsenal now find themselves with two distinct and capable options leading their attack, a luxury few teams possess. What began as a setback may ultimately strengthen the squad’s depth and adaptability for the long season ahead.

In essence, Havertz’s injury may have altered Arsenal’s early-season plans, but it has also opened the door to new possibilities. Gyökeres’s baptism by fire could accelerate his growth and provide Arteta with the kind of depth and unpredictability that every title-chasing team needs.