🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta remains confident that his team can persist in handling with player absences after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The German forward has been sidelined since August following knee surgery. Hoped to come back earlier in December, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when advancing his training and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

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

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This development leaves a selection headache for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who came back off the bench off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains in contention post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Additional concerns affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on squad depth during the summer has placed the club in a far better place to deal with such absences.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

In response if more options was aiding their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, because this season has seen more issues in some areas, and now the problems with the backline,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the top. And the instance of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star

Commenting on the setback noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered additional context. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his keenness to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, Havertz is someone that, personally, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his mentality, his attitude. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I look forward to get him back with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”