Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s strengthened squad can handle another injury setback after confirming Kai Havertz will be out for a few more weeks. The German striker, sidelined since August after knee surgery, suffered a setback in rehab and has been unable to “go to the next level,” delaying his return.
Arteta must now decide whether to continue using Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker against Brentford or recall Viktor Gyökeres, who recently returned from a muscle injury. Gabriel Jesus is also pushing for involvement after 11 months out.
William Saliba and Leandro Trossard remain doubts, meaning summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié may start again in central defence. Arteta said Arsenal’s £250m summer investment has made the squad “more reliable” and better equipped to cope with injuries.
He praised the team’s versatility, noting that players must fill multiple roles to compete at the highest level. Arteta also expressed his eagerness to have Havertz back, praising his character and consistency, and saying his return will be a “massive boost” for the Premier League leaders.
