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Arsenal's manager feels assured that his team can continue to cope with fitness issues following disclosing that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The German forward has been out since August due to knee surgery. Originally slated to come back earlier in December, the manager stated the player hit a snag when increasing his recovery and failed to reach “to the next level.”

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

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This update leaves a tactical puzzle for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains in contention after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Further fitness issues involve defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on squad depth ahead of this season has placed the club in a far better place to navigate such unavailability.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

In response if a larger pool of players was helping their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, since the current term has been worse in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we want to compete at the top. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Speaking about the delay previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He failed to advance to the required step and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his personal desire to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, in my view, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I can’t wait to have him back involved playing because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”