🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his squad can keep managing with fitness issues after disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The German forward has been absent since the summer after undergoing knee surgery. Hoped to return sooner, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when advancing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “to the next level.”

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

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development creates a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains an option following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Linger

More doubts affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Stamford Bridge game. Consequently, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in central defence for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on new players during the summer has placed the club in a more robust situation to navigate such setbacks.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

In response if more options was benefiting their championship push, his response was positive. “Absolutely, as this campaign has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he continued.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in various roles, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at this level. And the instance of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Addressing the complication previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the required step and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his personal desire to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his mentality, his attitude. I observe his frustration while sidelined.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to get him back with the squad playing because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”