Havertz hamstring blow opens door for Merino up front

Kai Havertz's hamstring injury could hand Mikel Merino another unexpected run as Arsenal's makeshift striker.

K. Havertz

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What happened. Kai Havertz has suffered a hamstring injury, opening the possibility that Mikel Merino returns to the centre-forward role for Arsenal. It would be the third season running the midfielder-by-trade is used up front.

• Merino is naturally a midfielder but has filled in as a centre-forward for Arsenal.
• The Spaniard's stint in the role has been described as very impressive.

With Havertz out, Arsenal may lean on Merino as a stopgap striker again this season.

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