Ian Wright is hopeful Mikel Merino can return in time to unravel an issue for Arsenal up front after Kai Havertz’s injury.
Arsenal sealed a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday that moved them three points clear at the highest of the Premier League once more.
But there was concern for Havertz and goal scorer Eberechi Eze who were each forced off.
Eze was capable of return to the pitch and have fun the victory together with his teammates at full-time, later telling Sky Sports his substitution was a precautionary measure.
But there will probably be more concern for Havertz. The Germany international pulled up after 33 minutes with a problem together with his groin or upper leg area.
He went straight down the tunnel for treatment with Viktor Gyokeres brought onto replace him.
The Sweden international has scored 18 goals in his first season in England but was dropped by Mikel Arteta in favour of Havertz for his or her biggest game of the season against Manchester City last week.
Gyokeres began on the bench again against Newcastle with a few of his limitations again on show late on with a poor pass in added time that halted a counter attack that might have killed the sport.
Wright fears Havertz might be out for a ‘lengthy’ period with Gyokeres expected to return to return to the starting XI if the German is unavailable for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid.
While Gabriel Jesus can be an option, the Arsenal legend is desirous to see Merino return to his role as an auxiliary striker.
The Spain international has been ruled out since February with a foot injury but hopes to return before the tip of the campaign.
After it was suggested Gyokeres will now be tasked with leading the road, Wright told Premier League Productions: ‘Perhaps [it will be Gyokeres] but I’m hearing Merino is on his way back as well.
‘I don’t understand how fit he will probably be but he is analogous to Havertz in the best way he can link the play. He’s great finisher within the box so fingers crossed he can come back in the following week, two weeks and fill that gap.’
Wright was concerned with the way by which Havertz left the pitch and fears the previous Chelsea star could face a ‘lengthy’ period out.
‘I’m quite concerned if you consider he has broken down again. You may see how dissatisfied he’s and you possibly can tell if you see someone walking off like that… you possibly can see the difference in Eze walking off and the difference in Havertz walking off.
‘Eze is saying he’s alright and it’s precautionary. But with Havertz, that appears like a lengthy one.’
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