🔗 Share this article

The Gunners' boss has expressed confidence that his squad can keep managing with fitness issues following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been out since August due to an operation on his knee. Originally slated to be available sooner, the manager stated the player hit a snag when stepping up his rehabilitation and failed to reach “the next phase.”

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

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This news creates a selection headache for the midweek match against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is available following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the weekend encounter. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in the backline for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on new players during the summer has resulted in a far better place to handle such absences.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

When asked if a larger pool of players was aiding their league challenge, his response was positive. “Yes, since the current term has been worse in some areas, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we have to use players in various roles, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at this level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Commenting on the delay noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the required step and now the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, for me, I value highly for what he brings to the team, but his character, his personality. I observe his frustration while sidelined.”

“His fitness history is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I look forward to have him back involved playing because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”