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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his side can continue to cope with injury setbacks after disclosing that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The Germany international has been absent since the summer after undergoing knee surgery. Hoped to come back earlier in December, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when increasing his training and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a squad that is much more reliable and has more options,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This news presents a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also available after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Additional concerns involve defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on new players during the summer has left Arsenal in a far better place to deal with such absences.

Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit

When asked if more options was benefiting their league challenge, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, because this season has been worse in certain positions, and now the situation with the defence,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we are to fight at this level. And the instance of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Commenting on the delay previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the required step and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly 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 get him back around the team playing because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”