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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his squad can keep managing with player absences after disclosing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The German forward has been out for months following an operation on his knee. Originally slated to be available earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when stepping up his recovery and could not progress “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This update creates a dilemma for the midweek match against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also in contention post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Additional concerns involve defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. Consequently, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the significant outlay on squad depth in the last transfer window has placed the club in a much stronger position to navigate such unavailability.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

When asked if a larger pool of players was aiding their league challenge, the manager agreed. “Indeed, as this campaign has seen more issues in certain positions, and now the situation with the backline,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we want to compete at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Addressing the complication highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the required step and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his keenness to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I see him suffer being outside.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he’s been always available, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back with the squad on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a huge lift.”