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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his side can persist in handling with fitness issues following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been absent since August after undergoing knee surgery. Initially expected to come back sooner, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when advancing his training and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is far more dependable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This news creates a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back off the bench in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains an option post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Further fitness issues involve centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in the backline for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the substantial investment on reinforcements during the summer has resulted in a much stronger position to deal with such setbacks.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

In response if a larger pool of players was aiding their title quest, his response was positive. “Absolutely, since the current term has been worse in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at this level. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star

Addressing the delay highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He was unable to progress to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, personally, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his character, his personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is exceptional, he’s been always available, and I look forward to have him back with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”