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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his team can persist in handling with fitness issues after disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The German forward has been absent for months following knee surgery. Hoped to return sooner, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when stepping up his rehabilitation and could not progress “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update creates a dilemma for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains available following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Linger

Further fitness issues affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the weekend encounter. Consequently, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on new players during the summer has placed the club in a far better place to deal with such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

When asked if more options was helping their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, since the current term has been worse in certain positions, and now the situation with the defence,” he added.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they must be capable to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the delay previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered additional context. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to see him return. “We’re all desperate to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, for me, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his personality. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back involved playing because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”