Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed confidence in Arsenal’s squad depth despite the loss of Kai Havertz ahead of their Premier League clash against Leicester City this Saturday.
Arsenal suffered a major setback this week with the news that Havertz will miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury. Compounding their struggles, Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with a long-term knee issue, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side without a recognized striker for the remainder of the campaign. Additionally, both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are unavailable due to similar hamstring concerns.
Despite these absences, Arsenal will head to the King Power Stadium for Saturday’s early kick-off, and Van Nistelrooy believes the Gunners still have enough firepower to navigate the crisis.
When questioned about Havertz’s injury, Van Nistelrooy stated: “The squad depth is evident. Of course, missing players like Saka and Havertz, who are world-class, will be felt. However, when you look at the overall team, they have enough quality to compensate for these losses.”
He also acknowledged the gap between Arsenal and Leicester City, emphasizing the challenge ahead for the latter: “It’s clear that the difference between us and Arsenal is significant. You can see it in the league standings. Arsenal are title contenders and competing in the Champions League, so it will be a huge test for us, but one we’re looking forward to.”
Arsenal’s Strength from Set-Pieces
Van Nistelrooy also praised Arsenal’s proficiency from set-pieces this season, highlighting their effectiveness in dead-ball situations.
“Their success from set-pieces has been remarkable, but it’s not just that,” Van Nistelrooy explained. “Football in the Premier League has evolved, with specialized set-piece coaches and meticulous strategies for every aspect—throw-ins, corners, free-kicks, and penalties.”
He further emphasized the growing importance of set-piece training: “The level of preparation and focus in this area has increased significantly, even for us, because so many matches are decided by these moments. Arsenal have been excellent in this aspect of the game.”
With key players missing, Arsenal will need to rely on their squad depth and tactical strengths as they continue their title push against Leicester this weekend.
