🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager remains confident that his team can persist in handling with injury setbacks following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been out since the summer due to knee surgery. Initially expected to return sooner, Arteta explained the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his rehabilitation and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This update leaves a selection headache for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also available after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Additional concerns involve defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in the heart of the defence for the league leaders.

The manager is convinced the significant outlay on new players in the last transfer window has left Arsenal in a more robust situation to deal with such setbacks.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

When asked if increased squad depth was aiding their championship push, his response was positive. “Yes, because this season has seen more issues in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we have to use players in different positions, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the setback previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

Arteta expressed his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, for me, I value highly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his nature. I observe his frustration while sidelined.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I look forward to get him back involved on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”