Mikel Arteta Hails ‘More Reliable’ Team and Reveals Havertz Setback.

The Gunners' boss feels assured that his squad can persist in handling with injury setbacks following disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been out for months after undergoing an operation on his knee. Hoped to return at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player faced a hurdle when increasing his training and failed to reach “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a team that is far more dependable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This development presents a selection headache for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also in contention post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Remain

More doubts surround defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in the backline for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on new players in the last transfer window has placed the club in a much stronger position to deal with such absences.

Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit

In response if more options was benefiting their league challenge, the manager agreed. “Absolutely, because this season has been worse in some areas, and now the problems with the backline,” he continued.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in different positions, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Addressing the setback previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the next level and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Truly, it’s a player that, in my view, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his character, his attitude. I observe his frustration while sidelined.”

“His fitness history is outstanding, he’s been always available, and I can’t wait to see him return with the squad playing because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”