🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager feels assured that his side can keep managing with player absences after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The German forward has been out since August after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to come back sooner, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when increasing his training and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development creates a tactical puzzle for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also an option after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Linger

Additional concerns affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Stamford Bridge game. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on reinforcements during the summer has resulted in a much stronger position to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was aiding their title quest, the manager agreed. “Indeed, since the current term has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now the situation with the defence,” he added.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the top. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star

Addressing the delay highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the next level and now the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his keenness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, it’s a player that, in my view, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his nature. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I look forward to see him return with the squad playing because I think it’s going to be a huge lift.”