Mikel Arteta has brought back several of Arsenal’s stars in recent weeks but faces an injured list ahead of the London derby that includes a number of key figures.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that Kai Havertz is still a long way off returning to the Gunners, but there was more encouraging news regarding other members of the squad. Arsenal host Brentford in midweek as they look to get their title bid back on track after drawing with 10-man Chelsea on Sunday.
Havertz has played just 30 minutes of club football this season, coming off the bench in the opening weekend of the league against Manchester United. Since then, he has been sidelined with a knee injury, and appeared to be close to returning, but suffered a setback in November.
Arteta said he would provide an update on Havertz “in the coming weeks”. The same goes for centre-back Gabriel, who was injured during his stint with Brazil.
Leandro Trossard’s return is likely to be sooner, but there was optimism regarding William Saliba. The Frenchman missed Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge but looks likely to return alongside his central defensive partner.
Asked about Saliba, Arteta told reporters: “We have another training session today so I won’t be able to help him too much.” “He was a little crumpled, but I think it will be a few days.”
read more: Arsenal’s latest injury: William Saliba’s ‘strange’ problem and Mikel Arteta’s frustrationread more: VAR advice reveals why Moises Caicedo was sent off as Chelsea fumed over inconsistency
Arteta elaborated further on Havertz, saying: “Yes, he was doing everything, but he just couldn’t get to the next level. We’re all desperate to get him.”
“He’s a player that I love very much for what he brings to the team. I’ve seen him struggle. I think (if he comes back) it will be a big boost for the team.”
Arsenal struggled at home to Brentford in last season’s match, with a 1-1 draw all but ending their hopes of winning the title. But since then, they have raided the bees and sent Christian Norgaard into a summer raid.
The Danish midfielder has not been used much by Arteta, but the manager spoke about his qualities. “Everything I saw on the pitch and everything I heard about him as a leader,” he said. “The minute I picked up the phone and talked to him, he brought something to our team that we didn’t have.”
Former Brentford captain Norgaard is yet to start a league game for his new club and the return of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could push him further up the table. Odegaard returned from a knee injury to make a late cameo against Bayern Munich last week and could return to the starting lineup after playing a further 30 minutes for Chelsea.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
