Mikel Arteta Praises a More Dependable Team and Acknowledges Havertz Injury Blow.
Arsenal's manager remains confident that his team can keep managing with fitness issues following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.
Prolonged Recovery for Havertz
The Germany international has been out since August after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to return earlier in December, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when advancing his training and failed to reach “to the next level.”
“Our experience helped us build a squad that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.
Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash
This development creates a selection headache for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is available post-recovery.
Defensive Concerns Linger
More doubts affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.
Arteta feels the significant outlay on squad depth during the summer has left Arsenal in a much stronger position to navigate such unavailability.
Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit
Questioned if more options was aiding their title quest, the manager agreed. “Indeed, because this season has seen more issues in some areas, and now the problems with the defence,” he noted.
“History has shown us that we have to use players in various roles, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”
Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star
Speaking about the complication highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided additional context. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now the signs are like we have overcome that hurdle.”
Arteta expressed his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, in my view, I value highly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”
“His availability record is exceptional, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return with the squad and playing because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”
