Arteta Gives Fresh Injury Update Ahead Of Arsenal’s Meeting With Brentford

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a clearer picture of his squad’s fitness situation as the Gunners prepare to welcome Brentford to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

Arsenal go into the midweek fixture looking to regain momentum after being held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at the weekend.

Arteta used his pre-match press conference to address the condition of four important members of his squad: Kai Havertz, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and Leandro Trossard.

Speaking on Tuesday, Arteta admitted that Havertz remains some way from returning.

“Kai Havertz is still weeks away,” he said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. “We are all desperate to have him. I mean, it is a player that, personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team, his character, his personality. I see him suffer, being outside.”

There was similar caution regarding Gabriel Magalhães. Arteta confirmed the Brazilian defender is progressing steadily but is still some weeks from rejoining full training. “Gabriel Magalhães is doing very well, but it will take weeks to see him back,” he added.

There was slightly more encouraging news for supporters concerning Saliba and Trossard. Arteta suggested their situations are less severe and that both could return sooner rather than later.

“For William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, hopefully it’s a matter of days,” he said.

The Arsenal boss also noted that Saliba’s setback has been a confusing one, describing it as “a very bizarre injury… but hopefully it will be a short time out.”