Deeper Arsenal squad helping with 'worst' injuries, says Arteta

Mikel Arteta explained that Arsenal's expanded squad is aiding the Premier League frontrunners in managing their most severe spell of injuries as they gear up for Wednesdays clash with Brentford.

Players such as Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard have lately recovered from their issues, though Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz remain sidelined for several weeks yet.

Forward Leandro Trossard and centre-back William Saliba remain uncertain for the Brentford encounter, yet Arsenal boss Arteta indicated on Tuesday that he anticipates their return in just a few days.

Last term, Arsenal suffered greatly from injury woes, with insufficient attacking depth cited as a key factor in their failure to push Liverpool for the Premier League crown.

This campaign has proven the toughest in certain sectors, particularly up top and now at the rear, Arteta remarked to the media.

However, we have adapted and assembled a more dependable group with greater depth.

We drew lessons from previous experiences too, realising the need to deploy players across various roles to stay competitive at this elite standard, and Mikel Merino serves as the prime illustration.

The Spanish playmaker, who joined from Real Sociedad in 2024, often featured as a forward in the prior year, netting nine times across all tournaments.

In the recent transfer period, Arsenal bolstered their ranks significantly by acquiring Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Eberechi Eze, Madueke, and Gyokeres.

This added strength has provided Arteta with enhanced choices, enabling them to establish a five-point advantage over Manchester City in second place atop the Premier League standings.

Saliba sat out Sundays 1-1 stalemate at Chelsea after picking up a minor issue during practice.

He experienced a slight discomfort, so it should resolve in a few days; we will check his availability for tomorrows fixture against Brentford, Arteta noted.

Trossard also skipped the Stamford Bridge outing, but the Belgian is likewise set to rejoin the fold shortly.

Arteta called on Emirates supporters to rally behind the side with maximum enthusiasm for the showdown with 10th-placed Brentford.

He stressed the importance of uniting at the Emirates to overcome Brentford. Its crucial, enormous.