🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager feels assured that his squad can continue to cope with injury setbacks following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been out for months following knee surgery. Initially expected to return sooner, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when advancing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “the required stage.”

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

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update presents a dilemma for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains an option after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in central defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on squad depth during the summer has placed the club in a more robust situation to navigate such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if a larger pool of players was aiding their title quest, the manager agreed. “Indeed, because this season has been worse in the attacking line, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we aim to challenge at the top. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Commenting on the setback previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his keenness to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, for me, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his nature. I observe his frustration while sidelined.”

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