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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his squad can continue to cope with player absences after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been absent since the summer after undergoing knee surgery. Initially expected to be available at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when stepping up his training and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is far more dependable and has more options,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This development presents a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also an option post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Remain

More doubts affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in the backline for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the significant outlay on squad depth in the last transfer window has resulted in a more robust situation to deal with such absences.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

When asked if more options was aiding their league challenge, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, as this campaign has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now the problems with the backline,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in various roles, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star

Commenting on the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the next level and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

Arteta expressed his keenness to see him return. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, for me, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his personality. I see him suffer being outside.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back around the team and playing because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”