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

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Havertz has said that this season is not what he “expected it to be” and has been “stop and start”.

The 26-year-old also said earlier this campaign that it was a new experience going through a major injury and he “hasn’t really faced a challenge like this before”.

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

The Gunners have been criticised for their attacking play this season and their reliance on set-piece goals.

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

Since his return he has played as both a midfielder and a forward, and Arteta has missed having that versatility when Arsenal are trying to break sides down.

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

He has only started one game in Europe though, against Kairat Almaty in January, but came off at half-time as he built up match fitness.

Despite his availability issues, Havertz has five goals and four assists in 20 appearances, giving him a goal involvement of nearly one every two games which highlights how Arsenal miss him when unavailable.

But they have not been able to call on him nearly enough and Havertz has been restricted to just six starts in the Premier League.

As the season has progressed, there have been doubts about whether Gyokeres is the right fit for Arsenal, particularly against elite opposition.

When Havertz was fit, he started and scored against Manchester City, with Gyokeres on the bench in what was a glimpse at what would likely have been Arteta’s strategy for big games if the German was fit more often.

Havertz scored by pressing City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, and without his work-rate and intelligence for large parts of this season, the Arsenal attack has looked clunky at times.

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St Mirren 1-0 St Johnstone

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Highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and St Johnstone

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'That is another crunching finish!' | Hickey lands DEVASTATING knockout

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Sam Hickey’s huge right hand knocked out Brad Axe in the seventh round of their contest.

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WNBA commissioner stresses integrity, respect on topic of transgender athletes in league-wide memo

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In a memo sent to team presidents, general managers and coaches Friday, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert advised the league’s leaders on their approach to the topic of transgender participation in women’s sports. The commissioner stressed approaching it with integrity and respect, without specifically defining the league’s stance.

The issue has dominated conversation around the WNBA in the wake of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s recent comments in favor of excluding trans athletes from women’s sports.

Engelbert listed three guiding principles for the league in the discussion but did not clarify whether or not trans athletes are allowed to play in the WNBA.

“First, we will always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the long-standing values of our league,” she wrote in the memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Athletic. “Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league’s highest priorities.”

There is no mention of trans athletes in the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement, although the document does state that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”

Engelbert wrote in the memo that the league has a previously scheduled meeting of a task force of presidents and GMs in the coming week that will address this conversation and other league issues.

In the wake of Cunningham’s comments and the subsequent rallies that have followed the Indiana Fever at road games, the commissioner acknowledged that she expects “this topic will continue to receive significant attention.” She praised team leadership for their response to increasing questions and invited them to continue reaching out to her with questions and perspectives.

Coaches around the league have frequently been asked about the issue since Cunningham first told ESPN she wants to “protect young girls in a locker room” and that “they shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

Cheryl Reeve has been the loudest voice in favor of inclusion of transgender kids in particular. Golden State Valkyries All-Star Gabby Williams welcomed transgender athletes joining the WNBA, while the Women’s National Basketball Players Association released a statement denouncing “hate, abuse, and demonization” of the transgender community.

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