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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his team can continue to cope with injury setbacks following revealing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

Havertz has been sidelined since August after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to come back sooner, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when advancing his recovery 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 increased versatility,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This news leaves a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who got a goal as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is an option post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Further fitness issues involve defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the significant outlay on new players during the summer has placed the club in a much stronger position to navigate such absences.

Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit

When asked if more options was benefiting their title quest, his response was positive. “Absolutely, since the current term has been worse in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he added.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at the top. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Addressing the delay previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, for me, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to see him return with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”