Arteta Praises a More Dependable Team and Acknowledges Kai Havertz Injury Blow.
The Gunners' boss remains confident that his squad can keep managing with fitness issues following confirming that forward Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.
Extended Absence for Havertz
The German forward has been out for months due to knee surgery. Hoped to come back sooner, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when advancing his training and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”
“Our experience helped us build a team that is considerably steadier and has more options,” Arteta said.
Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture
This update leaves a dilemma for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also in contention post-recovery.
Defensive Concerns Persist
Further fitness issues surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in central defence for the Premier League front-runners.
Arteta feels the significant outlay on new players ahead of this season has placed the club in a far better place to deal with such setbacks.
Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit
Questioned if a larger pool of players was helping their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, since the current term has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now the situation with the backline,” he added.
“History has shown us that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they must be capable to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at this level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”
Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star
Speaking about the delay previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the required step and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”
Arteta expressed his eagerness to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, for me, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I observe his frustration being outside.”
“His fitness history is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I can’t wait to get him back around the team on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”
