"‘This Season Has Been Tougher’ – Mikel Arteta Shares Grim Injury Update on Saliba, Havertz & Gabriel"

MIKEL ARTETA confirmed Kai Havertz has suffered an injury setback and is unlikely to be back until January.

While crocked key man William Saliba looks set to miss Brentford on Wednesday night with Arsenal boss Arteta saying the Frenchman is out for “a matter of days”.

Mikel Arteta has spoken out on Arsenal’s injury problemsCredit: Getty Kai Havertz has suffered a setbackCredit: Getty

Havertz, 26, has not played since sustained against Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season.

The German’s international manager Julian Nagelsmann recently claimed Havertz had a setback in his recovery, and Arteta has now confirmed it.

Gunners chief Arteta said: “Yes, so he was doing everything.

“He could not go to the next level and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.

“We’re all desperate to have him.

“It’s a player that, personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his character, his personality, I see him suffer being outside.

“His playing record is phenomenal, he’s been always available and I can’t wait to have him back around the team playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost for the team.”

On Havertz’s recovery, Arteta added: “Let’s see how it works in the next few weeks. He’s doing really well. He’s doing stuff on the pitch but I think he needs some time.”

Centre-back Saliba, 24, was a surprise absentee from due to a knock.

The good news is it is not a major problem, unlike defensive partner whose adductor issue could keep him out for up to two months.

But Arteta’s verdict suggested Saliba would not be risked for Wednesday’s Premier League hosting of Brentford.

The Spaniard said: “(Saliba) had a niggle but I think it’s going to be a matter of days. So let’s see if he’s able to do that tomorrow.

“Gabi’s doing very well as well but that’s weeks as well (like Havertz).”

suffered major injuries to Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and more last season but invested more than £250million in new recruits this summer.

It has led to the Gunners assembling arguably the strongest squad in the league.

William Saliba is not expected to feature against BrentfordCredit: Getty Gabriel is still on the sidelinesCredit: Getty

feels lessons were learnt from last term, especially when it comes to bringing in players who can play in multiple positions like makeshift striker Mikel Merino.

He added: “This season has been worse in some areas, especially in the front line, and now what’s happening with the back line.

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is much more reliable and has more options.

“We learned from the past as well that we have to use players in different positions, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at this level.”