Mikel Arteta Hails a More Dependable Team and Confirms Kai Havertz Setback.
Mikel Arteta feels assured that his squad can keep managing with injury setbacks after revealing that forward Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.
Extended Absence for German Star
The Germany international has been out since the summer due to knee surgery. Initially expected to be available at the start of this month, the manager stated the player encountered a problem when stepping up his recovery and could not progress “the required stage.”
“Our experience helped us build a team that is far more dependable and has more options,” stated the manager.
Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture
This news creates a tactical puzzle for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position last weekend, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also in contention post-recovery.
Defensive Concerns Persist
More doubts surround centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Consequently, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.
Arteta believes the significant outlay on reinforcements ahead of this season has placed the club in a more robust situation to navigate such unavailability.
Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit
Questioned if more options was helping their championship push, the manager agreed. “Indeed, since the current term has presented greater challenges in the attacking line, and now the situation with the backline,” he added.
“Our previous experiences taught us that we need to utilize players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the highest level. And the case of Mikel Merino.”
Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz
Speaking about the delay highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “His recovery was progressing. He was unable to progress to the subsequent stage and now the signs are like we have overcome that hurdle.”
The manager conveyed his eagerness to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, for me, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”
“His availability record is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back involved and playing because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”
