🔗 Share this article

The Gunners' boss has expressed confidence that his squad can keep managing with injury setbacks following confirming that forward Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been absent for months after undergoing knee surgery. Hoped to return earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when increasing his rehabilitation and could not progress “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This update leaves a selection headache for the midweek home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also an option following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Remain

Further fitness issues surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. Consequently, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in central defence for the league leaders.

The manager is convinced the significant outlay on reinforcements ahead of this season has left Arsenal in a much stronger position to handle such absences.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if a larger pool of players was benefiting their league challenge, his response was positive. “Absolutely, as this campaign has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we have to use players in different positions, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star

Addressing the setback previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his keenness to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to get him back with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a huge lift.”