Mikel Arteta Praises ‘More Reliable’ Team and Reveals Kai Havertz Setback.

The Gunners' boss has expressed confidence that his squad can keep managing with player absences after revealing that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been out since the summer after undergoing knee surgery. Originally slated to come back earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when advancing his recovery and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is much more reliable and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This news presents a dilemma for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net playing out of position on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains available post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

More doubts involve defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the weekend encounter. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in central defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on squad depth during the summer has left Arsenal in a far better place to handle such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if a larger pool of players was helping their title quest, his response was positive. “Yes, because this season has seen more issues in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he continued.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in different positions, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we want to compete at this level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Speaking about the setback noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his keenness to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, personally, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his character, his attitude. I see him suffer being outside.”

“His fitness history is outstanding, he’s been always available, and I can’t wait to have him back with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”