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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his side can persist in handling with player absences following confirming that attacker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The German forward has been absent for months due to knee surgery. Originally slated to come back sooner, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when stepping up his rehabilitation and could not progress “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This update leaves a selection headache for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains an option following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Persist

More doubts affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in central defence for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta feels the significant outlay on reinforcements in the last transfer window has placed the club in a far better place to handle such setbacks.

Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit

When asked if more options was aiding their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, since the current term has seen more issues in some areas, and now the problems with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we are to fight at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Havertz

Addressing the delay previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He was unable to progress to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to have him back with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”