Arsenal blasted for letting 'young Ian Wright' Eddie Nketiah leave as striker crisis hits breaking point following Kai Havertz's season-ending injury

Arsenal's injury list is continuing to grow with the news that Kai Havertz will be out for the remainder of the season and it leaves the Gunners very short across the forward line. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both out, the decision to sell Nketiah to Crystal Palace is looking more foolish by the hour. Legend Sheringham believes the decision to allow the striker - who reminds him of a young Ian Wright - to depart was foolish.

Speaking to finaria.it, the Premier League icon said: "I'm astounded they let Nketiah join Palace, because he is the type of player that scores goals, I think he is a young Ian Wright. Obviously not ready to lead the line full-time for Arsenal, but to throw him in every now and again.

"When you're beating an Everton 2-0, throw Eddie in and let him score a couple, have a couple of chances, get his confidence up. When you play against Crystal Palace at home, you win 3-0, throw Eddie in, get him a goal, get him a bit of confidence. He's a goal scorer. He comes alive in the box. That's what Arsenal need, from my perspective.

"They need a goal scorer in those vital moments to convert all the chances that they make. So, to not have anyone in their ranks that they could do that with, is astounding."

Arsenal have been left with egg on their face after not recruiting a new striker in January. Even before their injury issues, a goalscorer was a top priority for Mikel Arteta and a half-hearted bid for Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa was the best they could muster before the transfer window closed.

Nketiah is yet to score in the top flight for Palace this season but did net five times in the competition for Arsenal last term. While the Gunners watch his progress in South London from across the capital, they will have to chase down Liverpool with their limited remaining tools.