Arsenal's manager feels assured that his squad can persist in handling with injury setbacks following revealing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.
Extended Absence for Havertz
The German forward has been out since the summer after undergoing knee surgery. Hoped to come back at the start of this month, the manager stated the player encountered a problem when stepping up his training and could not progress “the required stage.”
“Our experience helped us build a squad that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.
Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture
This update creates a dilemma for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is an option after 11 months out.
Defensive Concerns Remain
Additional concerns affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. Consequently, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in the backline for the league leaders.
Arteta feels the £250m spend on squad depth in the last transfer window has left Arsenal in a far better place to navigate such absences.
Greater Options Key to Title Challenge
In response if increased squad depth was benefiting their title quest, the manager agreed. “Absolutely, since the current term has been worse in certain positions, and now the situation with the defence,” he continued.
“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the top. And the example of Mikel Merino.”
Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz
Addressing the complication previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He failed to advance to the required step and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”
Arteta expressed his personal desire to have him back. “Everyone is eager 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 personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”
“His fitness history is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I look forward to get him back with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”
