Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his squad can keep managing with player absences following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.
Havertz has been out since August following an operation on his knee. Initially expected to return sooner, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when stepping up his recovery and could not progress “the next phase.”
“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a squad that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” Arteta said.
This news leaves a selection headache for the midweek home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also available after 11 months out.
Additional concerns surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the weekend encounter. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to continue in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.
The manager is convinced the substantial investment on reinforcements in the last transfer window has resulted in a much stronger position to handle such unavailability.
In response if increased squad depth was aiding their league challenge, his response was positive. “Yes, as this campaign has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he noted.
“We learned from the past that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the top. And the case of Mikel Merino.”
Commenting on the delay previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He failed to advance to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”
He shared his keenness to see him return. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”
“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”
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