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Arsenal will be able to once more call on the services of Kai Havertz, but what does that mean for Viktor Gyokeres?
Mikel Arteta can play both Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz in the same team when the latter returns from injury because he offers Arsenal so many options.
That's the view of former Gunners legend Lee Dixon, who sees the return of German international Havertz as a huge helping hand for Arteta, rather than a selection hindrance.
Havertz has made just one appearance for the league leaders this season, on the opening day of the campaign against Manchester United. However, a knee injury that required a minor surgical procedure has kept him out of action since, although he is now close to returning to action.
In his absence, summer signing Gyokeres has led the line, scoring six goals in 10 appearances. He has helped his side build a six-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table.
The Swede has had his own injury issue of late and was forced to miss Sunday's 4-1 North London Derby victory after picking up a knock against Burnley before the international break, but when both players are fit and available, Dixon - who won four league titles with the Gunners - believes that there is room in Arteta's side for both of them.
Speaking to football.london via OLBG, Dixon said: "Well, they're very different, that's for sure. But ultimately, Havertz can play in that kind of number eight role, he can play wide. I think Gyokeres is kind of stuck.
"We're not going to see him doing a Harry Kane role, we're not going to see him peeling wide like Thierry Henry does in those inside positions. I think Gyokeres is set, but I think you can adapt the team by maybe alternating for a different game, a Havertz who plays in a slightly different way and will stretch teams in different ways.
"And Gyokeres is not as physical as him. So I think it's good to have two slightly different players in that position, but I think they could play together, not as a two up front, maybe not, because that obviously alters the midfield and the wide players. But I certainly think you can play Havertz in a wide left or a left of a three in midfield.
"So there are options and as a manager that's all you want. You want options to be able to look at the opposition and go 'we’ve got options'.
"With some managers, they play the same way every week because this is us. We play this way, let them adapt to us. Other managers will look at the team and say, 'why don't we exploit a weakness that the opposition have got if it's there staring at us, why don't we use a more mobile forward for two not so quick centre-halfs' or whatever it is.
"So, I think the adaptability of Havertz will come good in the season if we can get him fully fit."
Havertz joined Arsenal from Chelsea in June 2023 for a reported £65million fee. He has gone on to make 88 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring 29 goals.
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