MIKEL ARTETA says there are “big question marks” over Kai Havertz and Gabriel’s post-surgery recoveries that could force Arsenal to change their transfer plans.
The Gunners are still reeling after Brazilian star Gabriel was ruled out for the season following an operation on a hamstring injury picked up in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Fulham.
He joins striker Havertz in the medical room — with the German plotting a return next term following hamstring surgery in February, while forward Gabriel Jesus and defender Takehiro Tomiyasu are out until the end of 2025.
Arsenal boss Arteta as previously said this summer’s transfer window — with new sporting director Andrea Berta through the door — will be a “big one” as they look to sign an elite No 9.
Yet the Spaniard now says they may have to adapt their targets based on how Gabriel and Havertz return to pre-season and whether a much deeper squad is required to protect the pair from being pushed too hard on their returns.
Ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Everton on Saturday, on how tough it is to plan for 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’s always a big question mark.
“We don’t know how capable those players are going to be to sustain congested periods.
“Let’s see if it affects our transfer plans but we have to be very conscious of that.
“There are a lot of uncertainties in relation to what some of those players are going to be able to cope with, especially for the first five, six months of the season.”
Arsenal have now had four players 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 from an op in December.
Havertz could be back in training by June but Gabriel faces an uphill battle to return before the start of next season in early August.
Arteta has hit back at those who criticise the club’s training and medical methods, suggesting it is something they “cannot control”.
He was forced to rest centre-back Gabriel for games against Manchester United and Fulham back in December with a tight hamstring and he added: “I was very tempted to play him.
“If I would’ve played him and he has the injury that he’s sustained now and misses four months (cut throat gesture), I would be hammered.
“So, sometimes when the player is totally protected, this happens as well. There is an element we cannot control.”
Ben White and Jurrien Timber, both with knee issues, are also doubts for today as well as Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at home to Real Madrid.
Timber hobbled off late on against Fulham and the defensive duo will face late fitness tests on Saturday morning before the Goodison clash.
Meanwhile, Saka is pushing to start for the first time since December 21, after scoring seven minutes into a cameo off the bench in Tuesday’s comeback.
Arteta added: “He needs exposure and he’s going to have exposure. It’s clear in the last two days, he’s demanding more, so that’s a good sign.”
