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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his team can continue to cope with injury setbacks following confirming that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The German forward has been out since August following knee surgery. Hoped to be available earlier in December, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when increasing his training and was unable to move forward “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This news leaves a dilemma for the midweek match against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also available post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in the backline for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on reinforcements during the summer has placed the club in a more robust situation to deal with such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

In response if a larger pool of players was helping their league challenge, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, because this season has been worse in some areas, and now the problems with the backline,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in different positions, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at this level. And the example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

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 the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his eagerness to have him back. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, in my view, I value highly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

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