Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are better equipped than ever to handle injury setbacks after confirming Kai Havertz will be sidelined for a few more weeks. The striker, out since August following knee surgery, suffered a setback when he tried to increase his training intensity.
With Havertz still unavailable, Arteta must choose whether to continue using Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker for Wednesday’s game against Brentford or to recall Viktor Gyökeres, who recently returned from a muscle injury. Gabriel Jesus is also pushing for involvement after 11 months out.
Arsenal may again be without William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, meaning summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié could continue in central defence. Arteta believes the club’s £250m summer outlay has given them the depth needed to cope with such absences.
“This squad is much more reliable and has more options,” he said, adding that players must be capable of performing in multiple roles, with Merino’s versatility a prime example.
Arteta praised Havertz’s professionalism and expressed eagerness to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him,” he said. “His playing record is phenomenal, and I can’t wait for him to return because it will be a massive boost.”
