Mikel Arteta Hails a More Dependable Team and Confirms Havertz Injury Blow.

Arsenal's manager feels assured that his squad can keep managing with player absences following confirming that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been out for months after undergoing knee surgery. Initially expected to return at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when stepping up his training and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This news presents a selection headache for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return from a muscle injury as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains an option following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Persist

More doubts involve defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in the backline for the table-toppers.

Arteta feels the substantial investment on reinforcements in the last transfer window has placed the club in a much stronger position to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

When asked if a larger pool of players was helping their championship push, his response was positive. “Indeed, since the current term has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now the problems with the backline,” he added.

“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 aim to challenge at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the setback noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the required step and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

The manager conveyed his personal desire to have him back. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I love so much for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his attitude. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad and playing because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”