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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his side can keep managing with player absences after revealing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The German forward has been absent since the summer following an operation on his knee. Originally slated to come back earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when increasing his training and was unable to move forward “to the next level.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a group that is far more dependable and has increased versatility,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update presents a selection headache for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is in contention following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Persist

More doubts affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on reinforcements in the last transfer window has placed the club in a more robust situation to deal with such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if a larger pool of players was aiding their title quest, his response was positive. “Indeed, since the current term has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Havertz

Addressing the delay noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the required step and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his eagerness to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I love so much for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his nature. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to get him back around the team on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”