🔗 Share this article

The Gunners' boss feels assured that his squad can persist in handling with player absences following disclosing that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The German forward has been sidelined since the summer after undergoing an operation on his knee. Hoped to come back earlier in December, Arteta explained the player faced a hurdle when increasing his rehabilitation and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a squad that is considerably steadier and has more options,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This development leaves a dilemma for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is an option after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Additional concerns surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on new players in the last transfer window has resulted in a far better place to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

In response if a larger pool of players was benefiting their title quest, his response was positive. “Absolutely, because this season has seen more issues in some areas, and now the problems with the defence,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we want to compete at this level. And the instance of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Commenting on the setback highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the required step and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, it’s a player that, for me, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his character, his personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return with the squad playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”