🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta remains confident that his squad can persist in handling with fitness issues following revealing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for the coming weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The Germany international has been absent for months following an operation on his knee. Initially expected to come back earlier in December, 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 squad that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This development leaves a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker last weekend, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also an option after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Linger

More doubts involve centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on squad depth ahead of this season has placed the club in a far better place to deal with such absences.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if increased squad depth was aiding their title quest, his response was positive. “Absolutely, as this campaign has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now the problems with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we are to fight at the top. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the setback previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the next level and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”

Arteta expressed his eagerness to have him back. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, it’s a player that, in my view, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his nature. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“His fitness history is exceptional, he’s been always available, and I look forward to see him return involved playing because I think it’s going to be a huge lift.”