Because it occupies much of the same space that our version of a striker occupies? Havertz or Jesus are found deep on the halfway line at times, is this allowed?
The LM is only a way to fit him into the team and not necessarily to play this rigidly, like how Merino or Rice play it, completely differently.
Gyökeres is about to reach another platform with Kai in the team.
This would actually be a great experiment because Havertz could drop off Gyokeres a bit and help connect him to the midfield and wingers.
Alternatively put Jesus in there for Havertz.
Looks like he’s out again
Nonsense, it’s just clearly an unsafe surface there. No need to risk him.
Wonder why Nwaneri is out
MLS?
Have I missed something?
Maybe he doesn’t like walks?!
My math ain’t mathing, with those guys out that’s 19 players in the squad. We’re allowed 20.
Was another youngster favoured over MLS and Nwaneri?
Have I missed it or has Mikel not said why Havertz wasn’t in the squad last night?
I hope he gets some minutes tomorrow.
Apparently they’re managing his load. Still not clear what that means considering he’s yet to play.
Maybe they’re taking their time to make sure he’s back to his best. Thankfully we do have choice going forward. So much so that Nwaneri doesn’t even make the squad either.
His knee is probably fucked. The club will have to look at the situation in the summer if he doesn’t manage much game time between now and then.
His leg has probably actually fallen off and they are just hiding it.
Hope he’s being prepped for the run-in or it’s looking dark.
I am starting to feel like he will have no meaningful contribution this season. This team would easily go up a level with him about, real shame.
I feel like it’d take about 1-2 months for him to get back to his best fitness even if he were around.
That said, and I can’t believe I’m saying this in 2026; but he’s probably the best we’ve had since Prime Auba.
Sickening isn’t it?! Jesus is a better player but Havertz has definitely been a more consistent player and scorer. He’d be our best option now but we know he still isn’t the answer.
I’ve been binge-watching end of season highlights on video tapes. I’ve done every season since George Graham joined and I’m up to 1993/94.
What we need up front is an Ian Wright-profile of striker. Someone with a burst of speed, lots of strength and an ability to score something out of nothing. Doesn’t have to be the best striker in the world to be more effective than what we have now.
Ekitike is probably the closest.
Jesus is my guy but Havertz for me gets the nod purely because he makes our best player(Saka) better.
And on the plus side, Jesus and Havertz can play together too.
Alvarez is the striker we need!
if he would be willing to come here (assuming AM would let him go) that fee would HURT!