Mikel Arteta Applauds ‘More Reliable’ Team and Confirms Havertz Setback.
The Gunners' boss feels assured that his side can keep managing with injury setbacks following disclosing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.
Extended Absence for German Star
Havertz has been sidelined since the summer due to an operation on his knee. Hoped to be available sooner, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when stepping up his training and could not progress “the next phase.”
“Our experience helped us build a team that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” Arteta said.
Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture
This news creates a dilemma for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also an option following a lengthy absence.
Fitness Doubts Remain
More doubts involve defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to continue in central defence for the league leaders.
The manager is convinced the significant outlay on squad depth during the summer has resulted in a far better place to deal with such absences.
Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit
When asked if a larger pool of players was helping their championship push, his response was positive. “Yes, as this campaign has seen more issues in some areas, and now the situation with the backline,” he noted.
“History has shown us that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel is just the best one.”
Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz
Speaking about the setback previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”
The manager conveyed his keenness to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I watch him struggle being outside.”
“His playing record is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I look forward to see him return around the team playing because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”
