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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his squad can keep managing with injury setbacks after confirming that forward Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The German forward has been out since the summer due to knee surgery. Hoped to return sooner, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when advancing his rehabilitation and could not progress “the required stage.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This development presents a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back off the bench in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is available post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Persist

More doubts involve centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in the backline for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on reinforcements during the summer has resulted in a more robust situation to deal with such setbacks.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

In response if a larger pool of players was helping their title quest, his response was positive. “Yes, since the current term has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now the problems with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we need to utilize players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we want to compete at this level. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Commenting on the setback highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He was unable to progress to the required step and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, 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 being outside.”

“His fitness history is exceptional, he’s been always available, and I look forward to have him back involved on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”