Arteta Praises a More Dependable Team and Reveals Kai Havertz Setback.
The Gunners' boss has expressed confidence that his team can keep managing with fitness issues following revealing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.
Extended Absence for Havertz
Havertz has been out since the summer after undergoing an operation on his knee. Originally slated to come back at the start of this month, the manager stated the player hit a snag when advancing his training and could not progress “the required stage.”
“We learned, and we were able to put together a team that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” Arteta said.
Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture
This news leaves a tactical puzzle for the midweek match against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also an option post-recovery.
Fitness Doubts Remain
More doubts affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.
Arteta feels the substantial investment on reinforcements in the last transfer window has left Arsenal in a far better place to deal with such setbacks.
Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit
Questioned if more options was helping their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, since the current term has seen more issues in some areas, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he continued.
“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we aim to challenge at the top. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”
Arteta's Support for Suffering Star
Speaking about the complication previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the required step and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”
Arteta expressed his eagerness to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, personally, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his personality. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”
“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I look forward to see him return around the team playing because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”
