Mikel Arteta and Arsenal suffer major injury in Premier League match against Newcastle United
Kai Havertz was injured during Arsenal’s match against Newcastle United at the Emirates. (Image: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal suffered major injuries as Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze limped off during their Premier League match against Newcastle United. The German player, who had played just eight games in the top flight to date, has been plagued by injuries throughout the season.
Havertz has recently returned from a long absence from action. He injured his hamstring during Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai in February last year.
He required surgery but returned just before the end of the campaign. However, he suffered another long-term setback, injuring his knee on the opening day of the season, forcing him to miss four months.
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The German played in Arsenal’s last five Premier League games, starting up front against the Magpies and setting up Eze’s opening goal.
However, his joy did not last long. In the 32nd minute he fell to the grass and required physio treatment before being signaled to the bench.
Victor Gokeres replaced the German just two minutes later, but it was a disappointing result for the Gunners and Arteta.
Scorer Eze then went down in the second half and Gabriel Martinelli was brought on to replace the England international in the 53rd minute.
After Manchester City beat Burnley in midweek, Arsenal knew their match against Newcastle was a must-win if they were to regain top spot in the Premier League title race.
Josep Guardiola’s side were playing Southampton in the FA Cup, and Arteta’s side had the best chance of winning the title.
Mikel Arteta’s side are on the verge of relinquishing the title (Image: Alex Livesey – Danehouse, Getty Images)
Ahead of this weekend’s game, Arteta said: “The energy is higher, the belief is higher. We are clearer about what we need to do and we couldn’t ask for anything better.”
“Five games left, four weeks. We have two big tournaments and we have to give everything for them. Tomorrow is the first game. We’re all here. Let’s do our best.”
“If someone had told us at the beginning of the season that this is where we should be, we would have gone for it. If we win tomorrow, we’ll get even closer.”
“We have to put it on the table and make it happen. We know what is at stake and how much we have fought with the people for this. And now we have to do it on the pitch. Go and grab it.”
