Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s strengthened squad can handle their growing injury list after confirming Kai Havertz will be out for several more weeks. The German forward has been sidelined since August following knee surgery and suffered a setback when attempting to increase his training intensity.
With Havertz unavailable, Arteta must 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 a comeback after 11 months out.
Arsenal may again be without William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, meaning summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start in central defence. Arteta said the club’s significant summer investment has made the squad “more reliable” and better equipped to cope with absences.
Arteta also expressed sympathy for Havertz, praising his character and saying the team is “desperate” to have him back. He believes the recent breakthrough in Havertz’s rehabilitation will help the forward return stronger once fully fit.
