Mikel Arteta Applauds a More Dependable Team and Confirms Havertz Injury Blow.
The Gunners' boss feels assured that his squad can persist in handling with player absences following revealing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.
Extended Absence for Havertz
The Germany international has been absent since the summer due to an operation on his knee. Originally slated to return at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player faced a hurdle when increasing his recovery and could not progress “the required stage.”
“Our experience helped us build a squad that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” stated the manager.
Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash
This development presents a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also in contention following a lengthy absence.
Fitness Doubts Linger
Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in central defence for the Premier League front-runners.
The manager is convinced the substantial investment on new players in the last transfer window has placed the club in a more robust situation to deal with such unavailability.
Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit
In response if more options was benefiting their title quest, his response was positive. “Indeed, as this campaign has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now the problems with the backline,” he added.
“History has shown us that we must deploy players in different positions, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel Merino.”
Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz
Commenting on the complication previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the required step and now the signs are like we have overcome that hurdle.”
He shared his eagerness to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, in my view, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his mentality, his attitude. I watch him struggle being outside.”
“His playing record is exceptional, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back involved and playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”
