"A huge loss", "This will be a tough game" - Fans react as Arsenal superstar absent from matchday squad for Brentford clash
Fans took to X to express their reactions after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta didn’t include Kai Havertz in the starting lineup in the clash with Brentford in the Premier League. Both sides will face off at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year's Day.
The Gunners will be hoping to capitalize on Chelsea’s slip-up against Ipswich Town on Monday (Dec. 30) and improve their standings on the Premier League table. The Gunners are currently in the third position on the table with 36 points after 18 games. A win against Thomas Frank’s men will see them move to the second position above Nottingham Forest, who are on 37 points after 19 games.
Kai Havertz has been one of Arsenal’s most important players in the ongoing season. The German has featured in all the Gunners league games this term bar one and has scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 25 appearances across competitions. He was on the scoresheet in Arsenal’s last two matches.
However, Havertz was a shock omission for today’s squad and was replaced with Gabriel Jesus in attack. After the lineup was released, fans were surprised that he wasn’t part of the matchday squad and took to X to give their opinions.
Here are some of the reactions below.
''No Havertz is a huge loss. Need Jesus to step up. It’s Nwaneri’s chance to stake a claim in the first 11. He won’t get a better chance. Also feels like Rice & Partey have become rotatable with one another in Arteta’s view," an X user wrote.
Another posted:
''No Havertz? This will be a tough game!''
''Where’s Havertz?'' @estreyah_ asked
''Right wing by the looks of things. No Havertz and starting Partey might cost us the game," @Aidan_AFC75 wrote.
''No Havertz and Rice on bench, Brentford are typically bullies. Hopefully, it pays off. #COYG'' @katwesigye_ added
Why Kai Havertz is missing from Arsenal's Premier League clash with Brentford
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has named his matchday squad for the Premier League match against Brentford but Kai Havertz was an absentee in the squad. The Gunners will be hoping to build on their momentum after back-to-back victories against Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.
Kai Havertz's absence was a surprise to many as he has been the Gunners' main man in attack so far. However, the reason for his absence has emerged.
In the buildup to the match, former Arsenal player Martin Keown stated on TNT Sports that Havertz was excluded from the matchday squad because he is unwell. He said:
“Kai Havertz is a big miss — there’s talk of illness.”
The severity of the illness is however yet to be confirmed by Mikel Arteta.
