3 winners (and 2 losers) from Kai Havertz's Arsenal injury

2025/26 is not even a week old yet and Arsenal have already been struck (again) by the old injury curse, with Kai Havertz set for another spell on the sidelines.

There are reasons to believe that the club can manage his layoff better this time: Mikel Arteta stated just two weeks ago that we are “actively looking” for new additions anyway, while a left winger has ranked at the top of our wish-list for some time now.

But the news will still bring about a big change to the squad dynamic as, unlike last February, Arsenal can turn to the transfer market for solutions; that may, in turn, help to revive some Gunners’ careers and signal the death knell of others.

The winners and losers at Arsenal following the news of an injury to Havertz

Here are three of the biggest winners (and two losers) in the Arsenal squad following the injury to Kai Havertz.

Winner #1: Leandro Trossard

Leandro Trossard has just agreed a new deal at Arsenal | Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

Just when his game time looked under threat.

Leandro Trossard received a pay rise this week to reflect his “valued role” in the squad, according to Gunnerblog. Yet his role has rarely felt less important than it does now, with his non-appearance at Old Trafford on Sunday marking his first Premier League no-show for Arsenal since Bournemouth (A) in September 2023.

But then Havertz got injured.

Given Gabriel Jesus is also out long-term, the Belgian star represents the only obvious alternative to Viktor Gyokeres for the CF berth. He will be glad of the extra minutes there too as, if the opening day was anything to go by, his LW slot is under threat from Noni Madueke; they should all get plenty of game time now.

It could be good news for the team as well because Trossard is still a much-loved, productive star in this group – his utility will only be made more evident over the coming weeks (well, hopefully weeks and not months…).

Winner #2: Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres will get a chance to build on his Old Trafford debut | Michael Regan/GettyImages

During the summer, Viktor Gyokeres did everything he could to secure his Arsenal move. Now he has a golden opportunity to nail down a first-team spot.

The Gyokeres/Havertz debate already began on Sky Sports last Monday, with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher discussing whether or not our £64m striker could possibly be left out of the starting eleven for the ‘big games’.

The whole saga with Sporting CP indicated that the 27-year-old Swede was not coming here to play second fiddle.

And, for now, he does not need to. He is the only fit, recognised striker we have and, thus, is virtually guaranteed to start against Leeds United on Saturday. This match presents a great chance for him to build up confidence, fitness and a sense of understanding with his new teammates, factors which are particularly important ahead of our imminent trip to Anfield.

Critics had their knives out following a quiet debut at Manchester United – perhaps a few goals over the coming weeks will silence them.

Winner #3: Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino is never too far from the striker scene | Marc Atkins/GettyImages

For all the talk of Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and [insert player name here], the Arsenal/striker debate always circles back to Mikel Merino.

That is not the worst thing in the world – for the player at least. Merino has impressed as a CF before and, by the same token, struggled when used in midfield; his red card versus Liverpool in May being a good example of his troubles with the pace of English football.

Furthermore, the arrival of Christian Norgaard and a new contract for Myles Lewis-Skelly means the CF role – remarkably – might just be his best chance of getting minutes. His hot streak at the end of last year suggests it could work out well…

It is the remontada we never knew we needed.

Loser #1: Leandro Trossard

Could Trossard see his minutes reduced by a new arrival? | Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/GettyImages

Yes, Trossard does indeed make both lists.

He will likely benefit from the Havertz injury short-term, but he also could be in for a rude awakening upon his return.

Arsenal are already seeking cover up top in light of the German’s absence and might well strengthen at LW. Therefore, we could find ourselves crowded out at CF (imagine!) once Havertz, Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus all come back and, if that LW comes in, Trossard could soon find himself behind both him and Gabriel Martinelli in the pecking order.

That outcome would only serve to undermine his role in the squad and, again, show why many fans felt it might be best for him to leave now (though the fresh terms likely say more about our transfer activity to come – or lack thereof – than about Trossard’s minutes…).

Make the most of the Havertz layoff while you can.

Loser #2: Reiss Nelson

Reiss Nelson has found opportunities hard to come by at Arsenal | Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

If ever a player deserved our sympathy.

Reiss Nelson has stood on the Arsenal fringes for a long time and found himself shunted out the door once Raheem Sterling arrived last summer.

Now, after his fine pre-season, the Gunners are back in the transfer market for external solutions to the Havertz problem, one that will provide direct competition for him (if the club opt for a LW rather than a striker).

The Hale End man has been treated unfairly for some time but never complains and, thus, Arsenal owe it to him to secure a permanent move in the final days of this window. He needs an opportunity to establish himself somewhere and, at the age of 25, he still has both the talent and time left in his career to make a difference.

Arteta gave him a new contract back in 2023 to protect his value; now is the moment to finally cash in on it.

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