Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s improved squad depth will help them handle another injury setback after confirming Kai Havertz will be out for a few more weeks. The forward, sidelined since August after knee surgery, suffered a setback when trying to step up his rehabilitation.
For Wednesday’s match against Brentford, Arteta must choose whether to continue with Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, recall Viktor Gyökeres after his return from injury, or potentially use Gabriel Jesus, who is nearing full fitness after 11 months out.
Arsenal are also waiting on the fitness of William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, meaning summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié may start again in defence. Arteta said the club’s £250m summer investment has made the squad “more reliable” and better equipped to cope with absences.
Arteta praised Havertz’s professionalism and said the team is eager to have him back: “His playing record is phenomenal… I can’t wait to have him around the team again because it will be a massive boost.”
