🔗 Share this article

The Gunners' boss remains confident that his team can persist in handling with player absences following disclosing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The German forward has been sidelined since August after undergoing an operation on his knee. Hoped to return sooner, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when stepping up his training and could not progress “the required stage.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a squad that is much more reliable and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a selection headache for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is available after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Linger

More doubts involve defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in the heart of the defence for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the significant outlay on reinforcements in the last transfer window has resulted in a far better place to navigate such unavailability.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

When asked if more options was aiding their title quest, his response was positive. “Absolutely, since the current term has seen more issues in some areas, and now the situation with the backline,” he continued.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at this level. And the instance of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Addressing the setback noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his personal desire to have him back. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, in my view, I love so much for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his attitude. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad and playing because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”