Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his team can persist in handling with player absences after disclosing that attacker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.
Extended Absence for German Star
Havertz has been absent for months due to knee surgery. Hoped to be available at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when advancing his training and failed to reach “the next phase.”
“We learned, and we were able to put together a team that is considerably steadier and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.
Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture
This development presents a dilemma for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is available post-recovery.
Defensive Concerns Persist
Additional concerns involve defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in the backline for the table-toppers.
Arteta believes the £250m spend on reinforcements ahead of this season has resulted in a more robust situation to handle such absences.
Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge
In response if more options was helping their league challenge, the manager agreed. “Yes, since the current term has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now the situation with the backline,” he noted.
“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in various roles, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at the top. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”
Arteta's Support for Suffering Star
Commenting on the setback noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the required step and now the signs are like we have overcome that hurdle.”
He shared his keenness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, personally, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his character, his personality. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”
“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to get him back with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”
