🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta remains confident that his squad can persist in handling with player absences after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz is not ready for the coming weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The Germany international has been out for months due to an operation on his knee. Originally slated to come back earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when advancing his rehabilitation and could not progress “the required stage.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a team that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This news presents a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also an option following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Additional concerns involve centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

The manager is convinced the significant outlay on reinforcements in the last transfer window has placed the club in a much stronger position to deal with such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if more options was aiding their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, as this campaign has been worse in certain positions, and now the situation with the backline,” he added.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the setback previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the next level and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his keenness to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, in my view, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his nature. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His fitness history is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return around the team playing because I believe it’s going to be a massive boost.”