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Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s strengthened squad is helping the club withstand what he described as their “worst” spell of injuries as they prepare for Wednesday night’s Premier League clash with Brentford.
The Arsenal manager confirmed that Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard have all recently returned to action, but admitted that defender Gabriel Magalhaes and forward Kai Havertz remain sidelined for several more weeks.
Leandro Trossard and William Saliba are both doubts for Wednesday’s match, although Arteta expressed optimism that the pair could return shortly, saying he expects them back “within days”.
Injuries also derailed Arsenal’s title bid last season, when their shortage of attacking options was widely seen as a key factor in them falling short in their pursuit of Liverpool.
Reflecting on the current campaign, Arteta admitted the injury list has been severe, particularly in attack and now in defence, but stressed that the club have learned lessons from previous struggles.
He said Arsenal have built a more dependable group with greater flexibility, allowing players to cover multiple positions when needed. He highlighted Mikel Merino as the best example of that adaptability, after the Spain midfielder was regularly deployed as a striker last season following his arrival from Real Sociedad in 2024, scoring nine goals in all competitions.
Arsenal significantly reinforced their squad during the summer transfer window, adding Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Eberechi Eze, Madueke and Gyokeres. Arteta believes those additions have strengthened competition within the group and provided vital depth across the pitch.
The Gunners head into the Brentford fixture five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. Saliba missed Sunday’s hard-fought 1-1 draw at Chelsea after picking up a knock in training, with Arteta indicating the defender’s absence should be short-term.
Trossard was also unavailable at Stamford Bridge, but the Arsenal boss suggested the winger was close to making his return as well.
Arteta called on supporters to play their part ahead of the midweek match at the Emirates, urging the crowd to provide full backing to help the team secure another important victory.
