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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his team can keep managing with injury setbacks after revealing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been absent since August due to knee surgery. Initially expected to return at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his training and failed to reach “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This development leaves a selection headache for the midweek match against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net playing out of position against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is in contention after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Persist

More doubts affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in central defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on new players ahead of this season has placed the club in a much stronger position to navigate such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

Questioned if more options was helping their league challenge, his response was positive. “Yes, as this campaign has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in different positions, and they must be capable to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at the top. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

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

Arteta expressed his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, in my view, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his personality. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I can’t wait to see him return with the squad playing because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”