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Mikel Arteta remains confident that his team can continue to cope with fitness issues following disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz will not return for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been absent since August due to knee surgery. Initially expected to come back sooner, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when advancing his recovery and failed to reach “the required stage.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is far more dependable and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This news presents a dilemma 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 last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains an option post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Remain

More doubts surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in central defence for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on new players in the last transfer window has placed the club in a more robust situation to handle such absences.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

In response if more options was benefiting their championship push, his response was positive. “Indeed, because this season has seen more issues in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he added.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in various roles, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Speaking about the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the next level and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his keenness to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, it’s a player that, for me, I love so much for what he brings 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 have him back around the team and playing because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”