Arteta Hails a More Dependable Team and Confirms Kai Havertz Injury Blow.
The Gunners' boss feels assured that his squad can keep managing with fitness issues following disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for several more weeks.
Extended Absence for German Star
The Germany international has been sidelined for months following knee surgery. Originally slated to come back sooner, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when increasing his recovery and failed to reach “the next phase.”
“We learned, and we were able to put together a team that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” Arteta said.
Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture
This news leaves a dilemma for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also an option post-recovery.
Fitness Doubts Remain
Further fitness issues affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in the backline for the table-toppers.
Arteta believes the substantial investment on new players ahead of this season has placed the club in a much stronger position to handle such absences.
Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit
Questioned if increased squad depth was aiding their league challenge, his response was positive. “Absolutely, since the current term has been worse in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.
“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they must be capable to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at the top. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”
Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star
Addressing the delay previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “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 welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, personally, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his nature. I see him suffer while sidelined.”
“His playing record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to have him back with the squad playing because I think it’s going to be a huge lift.”
