🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager remains confident that his side can persist in handling with fitness issues after confirming that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been absent for months after undergoing knee surgery. Initially expected to come back sooner, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when advancing his rehabilitation and could not progress “to the next level.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This development creates a dilemma for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also in contention post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Remain

Further fitness issues surround defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the £250m spend 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 more options was helping their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, since the current term has seen more issues in some areas, and now the problems with the defence,” he continued.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they need to be prepared to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the top. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Star

Addressing the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now the signs are like we have overcome that hurdle.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his character, his attitude. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to have him back with the squad and playing because I believe it’s going to be a massive boost.”