🔗 Share this article

The Gunners' boss feels assured that his side can persist in handling with injury setbacks following confirming that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been sidelined for months after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to come back earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when increasing his rehabilitation and could not progress “to the next level.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This update creates a dilemma for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also available after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Additional concerns involve centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in the backline for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on reinforcements ahead of this season has placed the club in a more robust situation to deal with such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

When asked if a larger pool of players was benefiting their championship push, the manager agreed. “Indeed, since the current term has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in different positions, and they must be capable to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at this level. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Commenting on the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the required step and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his keenness to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his nature. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he’s been always available, and I can’t wait to see him return around the team and playing because I believe it’s going to be a huge lift.”