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Mikel Arteta remains confident that his team can keep managing with fitness issues after revealing that forward Kai Havertz is not ready for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been absent since the summer due to knee surgery. Initially expected to come back sooner, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when advancing his recovery and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a selection headache for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains in contention following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Persist

More doubts surround defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in the backline for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the significant outlay on new players during the summer has resulted in a more robust situation to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if more options was benefiting their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, since the current term has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he continued.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in different positions, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we want to compete at this level. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Havertz

Addressing the complication previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “His recovery was progressing. He was unable to progress to the required step and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his eagerness to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his character, his nature. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His playing record is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to get him back involved on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a huge lift.”