Mikel Arteta Praises ‘More Reliable’ Team and Reveals Havertz Injury Blow.

The Gunners' boss remains confident that his team can keep managing with injury setbacks after confirming that forward Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The Germany international has been absent since the summer following an operation on his knee. Initially expected to be available at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when stepping up his training and could not progress “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also available post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in central defence for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the substantial investment on new players during the summer has placed the club in a more robust situation to navigate such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was benefiting their title quest, the manager agreed. “Indeed, as this campaign has been worse in certain positions, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Commenting on the delay noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the next level and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his personal desire to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, for me, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his mentality, his attitude. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back around the team on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”