Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s strengthened squad can handle further injury setbacks after confirming Kai Havertz will be out for a few more weeks. The German forward, recovering from knee surgery, was expected back earlier this month but struggled to progress in rehabilitation.
Arteta must now choose whether to continue using Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker against Brentford or turn to Viktor Gyökeres, who recently returned from a muscle injury. Gabriel Jesus is also pushing for involvement after an 11-month absence.
William Saliba and Leandro Trossard remain doubts, meaning summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié may again start in central defence. Arteta believes the club’s major summer investment has given him a “more reliable” squad capable of adapting, with multiple players able to fill different roles.
Arteta reiterated how much he values Havertz, saying the forward is “desperate” to return and that his eventual comeback will provide a “massive boost” for the league leaders.
