Arteta Hails a More Dependable Squad and Confirms Kai Havertz Injury Blow.

Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his side can persist in handling with injury setbacks after revealing that star striker Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been absent since the summer due to an operation on his knee. Hoped to return at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when increasing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “to the next level.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a team that is far more dependable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This development leaves a dilemma for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is available following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Persist

More doubts surround defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the weekend encounter. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the backline for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the substantial investment on new players during the summer has placed the club in a more robust situation to deal with such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

Questioned if increased squad depth was aiding their title quest, his response was positive. “Absolutely, since the current term has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now the problems with the backline,” he added.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we are to fight at the top. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Commenting on the complication previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the required step and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

Arteta expressed his keenness to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Truly, it’s a player that, for me, I value highly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to have him back involved on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”