🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta remains confident that his side can persist in handling with player absences following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been absent since August after undergoing knee surgery. Hoped to come back sooner, the manager stated the player encountered a problem when stepping up his training and failed to reach “the required stage.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a squad that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This news creates a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is an option post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Remain

More doubts affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to continue in the backline for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the significant outlay on squad depth in the last transfer window has placed the club in a much stronger position to navigate such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

When asked if more options was benefiting their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, as this campaign has been worse in the attacking line, and now the problems with the defence,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we are to fight at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Commenting on the complication previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the next level and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his eagerness to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his nature. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to have him back involved on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a huge lift.”