Kai Havertz: What does the future hold for Arsenal’s Germany forward

Havertz said this season was not “the way he expected” and was “stop-start”.

The 26-year-old also said at the start of this season that dealing with a major injury was a new experience and that he had “never faced a challenge like this before”.

He looked disappointed with the latest defeat when he was sent off after just 34 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 win against Newcastle United.

Arsenal have been criticized for their attacking play this season and their reliance on set-piece goals.

Havertz is one of Arteta’s favorite players on and off the pitch and they have missed his ability to link the play together.

He has played as both a midfielder and forward since his return and Arteta missed having that versatility when Arsenal were struggling to outdo teams.

Havertz has three goals and one assist in five Champions League games this season and scored the winner against Sporting in Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.

However, he started only one match in Europe against Kairat Almaty in January but was substituted at half-time while he improved his match fitness.

Despite his fitness issues, Havertz has five goals and four assists in 20 appearances, which leaves him scoring in almost every second match, showing just how much Arsenal miss him when he is unavailable.

But they didn’t get to see enough of him and Havertz was limited to just six starts in the Premier League.

As the season progressed, doubts arose about Gyokeres’ suitability for Arsenal, especially against elite opposition.

When Havertz was fit, he started and scored against Manchester City; Gyokeres was on the bench and it was a glimpse of what Arteta’s strategy in big games is likely to be if the German is fit more often.

Havertz scored by putting pressure on City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and without his work rate and intelligence for much of this season, Arsenal’s attack has looked clunky at times.