Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his side can continue to cope with injury setbacks following revealing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.
Havertz has been absent since the summer following knee surgery. Initially expected to return at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when stepping up his rehabilitation and failed to reach “to the next level.”
“Our experience helped us build a team that is considerably steadier and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.
This development leaves a selection headache for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also available after 11 months out.
Further fitness issues involve centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in the backline for the league leaders.
The manager is convinced the substantial investment on squad depth during the summer has placed the club in a far better place to handle such absences.
Questioned if more options was helping their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, as this campaign has been worse in the attacking line, and now the problems with the defence,” he added.
“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we want to compete at the top. And the example of Mikel Merino.”
Commenting on the setback highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”
He shared his eagerness to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his attitude. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”
“His fitness history is exceptional, he’s been always available, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return around the team and playing because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”
Elara is a passionate writer and photographer who shares insights on creativity and mindful living through engaging storytelling.
