Mikel Arteta Hails ‘More Reliable’ Squad and Acknowledges Havertz Setback.
The Gunners' boss remains confident that his team can keep managing with player absences after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.
Extended Absence for German Star
Havertz has been absent for months due to knee surgery. Hoped to return earlier in December, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when increasing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “the next phase.”
“Our experience helped us build a squad that is far more dependable and has more options,” commented Arteta.
Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture
This development leaves a dilemma for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also available post-recovery.
Fitness Doubts Remain
Additional concerns affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.
Arteta believes the £250m spend on new players ahead of this season has placed the club in a much stronger position to handle such setbacks.
Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge
When asked if a larger pool of players was aiding their league challenge, the manager agreed. “Yes, since the current term has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now the problems with the defence,” he added.
“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they must be capable to fulfil different roles if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel is just the best one.”
Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star
Addressing the setback noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the required step and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”
The manager conveyed his personal desire to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, for me, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”
“His playing record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back involved and playing because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”
