Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s strengthened squad is helping them cope with a growing injury list, after confirming Kai Havertz will be out for a few more weeks. The German forward, sidelined since August following knee surgery, suffered a setback when he tried to step up his rehabilitation.
With Havertz still unavailable, Arteta must choose whether to continue using Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker against Brentford or recall Viktor Gyökeres, who recently returned from a muscle issue. Gabriel Jesus is also pushing for involvement after nearly a year out.
William Saliba and Leandro Trossard remain doubts, meaning summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in central defence. Arteta said Arsenal’s £250m summer investment has made the squad “more reliable” and capable of adapting to injuries, pointing to players’ versatility as key.
Arteta praised Havertz’s character and said the club is eager for his return: “We’re all desperate to have him. His playing record is phenomenal, and I can’t wait to have him back because it will be a massive boost.”
