Mikel Arteta Hails ‘More Reliable’ Team and Confirms Havertz Injury Blow.

The Gunners' boss feels assured that his side can persist in handling with player absences after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

Havertz has been sidelined since the summer after undergoing an operation on his knee. Hoped to come back sooner, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when increasing his training and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is far more dependable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development presents a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is in contention post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Additional concerns involve centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on new players in the last transfer window has placed the club in a far better place to deal with such unavailability.

Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit

In response if increased squad depth was aiding their championship push, the manager agreed. “Absolutely, because this season has presented greater challenges in the attacking line, and now the problems with the backline,” he continued.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in different positions, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at this level. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the setback previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “His recovery was progressing. He failed to advance to the required step and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”

Arteta expressed 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 the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his personality. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I look forward to have him back with the squad on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”