In-form Kai Havertz among most transferred-out players ahead of Gameweek 8 – don’t believe injury flag

KAI HAVERTZ (£5.1m) is among the most transferred-out Dream Team players ahead of Gameweek 8.

At the time of writing, only Luis Diaz (£4.9m) and Amadou Onana (£3m) have been ditched from more teams prior to Saturday’s deadline.

Since Arsenal’s No29 has been in excellent form at the start of this season, his popularity dip can only be because of doubts over his availability.

When Havertz pulled out of Germany’s Nations League squad with a knee problem, it prompted a wave of concern among fans on social media.

However, Goal journalist Charles Watts, who specialises in all things Arsenal, declared “the Havertz situation is not one to be overly concerned about” on X.

At this stage, it seems the 25-year-old’s withdrawal from international duty was merely precautionary, rather than a decision forced by an injury that would prevent him playing.

Havertz played to the end against Southampton in Gameweek 7 and it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he was named in the Gunners’ starting line-up at Bournemouth this coming Saturday.

Needless to say, many of the Dream Team managers who have ditched the in-form forward will regret their decision if he’s unleashed from the get-go against the Cherries.

It’s worth reminding gaffers that transfers can be reversed at any time before the upcoming Gameweek deadline (11am this Saturday) and so if later this week Mikel Arteta reveals that Havertz is available, it’s possible to pivot to a different strategy.

That being said, the Spanish tactician has a habit of keeping his cards close to his chest in regards to player availability, as is his right, and so Dream Team bosses may have to take a leap of faith one way or the other.

What’s undeniable is that Havertz has been among the game’s best assets across the first seven Gameweeks.

He’s amassed 76 points at an average of 7.6 per outing via six goals and an assist.

Erling Haaland (£9.1m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.6m) are the only players in his position with a higher points tally at this juncture with Manchester City’s No9 being the only man with more goals to his name in all competitions.

Having been tasked with leading the line more often than not, Havertz also ranks fourth among all players for shots on target with 13 – over twice as many as Diogo Jota (£4.7m), for comparison.

More broadly, he’s taken 33 points from his last three outings which technically makes him Dream Team’s most in-form striker.

If the former Chelsea player is raring to go in Gameweek 8 then he has to be considered a strong option as Arsenal are also due to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League as one of seven teams with two fixtures to fulfil.

In fact, the Gunners will play seven games across the next four Gameweeks.

Dream Team will endeavour to provide the latest news regarding Havertz’s availability in our next Injuries & Suspensions Update, due Friday.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk