Mikel Arteta Hails ‘More Reliable’ Team and Reveals Kai Havertz Injury Blow.
Mikel Arteta remains confident that his squad can keep managing with injury setbacks following disclosing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.
Prolonged Recovery for Havertz
The Germany international has been absent since the summer due to knee surgery. Initially expected to be available earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when advancing his rehabilitation and could not progress “the next phase.”
“Our experience helped us build a squad that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.
Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash
This news creates a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back off the bench as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is available after 11 months out.
Defensive Concerns Remain
Additional concerns affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.
Arteta believes the substantial investment on reinforcements ahead of this season has placed the club in a far better place to navigate such absences.
Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit
In response if a larger pool of players was helping their title quest, his response was positive. “Indeed, since the current term has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he added.
“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 are to fight at the top. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”
Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Havertz
Speaking about the setback previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”
He shared his eagerness to see him return. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, it’s a player that, personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his character, his personality. I observe his frustration being outside.”
“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to have him back involved on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”
