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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his squad can persist in handling with fitness issues after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The German forward has been out for months due to knee surgery. Hoped to come back earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when increasing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is far more dependable and has more options,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update presents a dilemma for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also available post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Further fitness issues surround defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the weekend encounter. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta feels the significant outlay on reinforcements ahead of this season has placed the club in a far better place to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was benefiting their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, because this season has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now the problems with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we have to use players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions 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

Speaking about the setback previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the next level and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, personally, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I see him suffer being outside.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back around the team on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a huge lift.”