Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are well equipped to handle further injury setbacks after confirming Kai Havertz will remain sidelined for a few more weeks. The forward, out since August following knee surgery, had hoped to return earlier this month but was unable to progress in his rehabilitation.
Arteta must now decide whether to continue using Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker for Wednesday’s match against Brentford or recall Viktor Gyökeres, who recently returned from a muscle injury. Gabriel Jesus is also nearing a comeback after an 11-month absence.
There are additional concerns over William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, who missed the Chelsea match. Summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to continue in central defence.
Arteta believes this season’s £250m investment has provided a more “reliable” squad capable of adapting to injuries. He praised the versatility of players like Merino, noting that using individuals in multiple positions has become essential for competing at the highest level.
Arteta expressed his admiration for Havertz and said the club 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.”
