Ian Wright it is hopeful Mikel Merino can return in time to solve a problem for Arsenal before after Kai Havertzthe injury of.
Arsenal scored a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday that moved them three points clear at the top Premier League one more time.
But there was concern for Havertz and goalscorer Eberechi Eze both of whom were forced to leave.
Eze was able to return to the pitch and celebrate the win with his teammates at full time, later saying Sky Sports his replacement was a preventive measure.
But there will be more concern for Havertz. The German international was withdrawn after 33 minutes with a groin or upper leg problem.
He went straight down the tunnel for treatment with Viktor Gyokeres brought in instead.
The Sweden international has scored 18 goals in his first season in England but was dropped by Mikel Arteta in favor of Havertz for their biggest game of the season against Manchester City last week.
Gyokeres started on the bench again against Newcastle with some of his limitations again on show late on with a poor pass in stoppage time stopping a counter-attack that could have killed the game.
Wright fears Havertz could be out for a ‘prolonged’ period with Gyokeres expected to return to the starting line-up if the German is unavailable for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid.
While Gabriel Jesus is also an option, the Arsenal legend is keen to see Merino return to his role as a utility forward.
The Spain international has been sidelined since February with a foot injury but hopes to return before the end of the season.
After it was suggested that Gyokeres will now be tasked with leading the line, Wright told Premier League Productions: “Maybe (it will be Gyokeres) but I’m hearing that Merino is also on the way back.
“I don’t know how fit he’ll be, but he’s similar to Havertz in the way he can link the game. He’s a great finisher in the box, so he can come back in the next week, two weeks and fill that void.’
Wright was concerned about the manner in which Havertz left the field and feared the former Chelsea star could face a ‘long’ spell out.
“I’m very worried when you think he’s broken again. You can see how disappointed he is and you can tell when you see someone leaving like that… you can see the difference in Eze leaving and the difference in Havertz leaving.
‘Eze is saying that it is good and it is preliminary. But with Havertz, that seems like a long shot.’
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