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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his side can continue to cope with fitness issues after confirming that forward Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been out for months due to an operation on his knee. Hoped to return sooner, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when advancing his recovery and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a squad that is considerably steadier and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This news leaves a selection headache for the midweek home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is an option after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Further fitness issues surround centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Consequently, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta feels the substantial investment on reinforcements in the last transfer window has resulted in a more robust situation to handle such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

In response if a larger pool of players was aiding their championship push, the manager agreed. “Indeed, as this campaign has seen more issues in certain positions, and now the problems with the defence,” he continued.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we want to compete at the top. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the setback highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided additional context. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the required step and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, it’s a player that, personally, I love so much for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his nature. I see him suffer being outside.”

“His availability record is exceptional, he’s been always available, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”