Mikel Arteta Applauds a More Dependable Team and Confirms Havertz Setback.

The Gunners' boss has expressed confidence that his side can persist in handling with injury setbacks following confirming that forward Kai Havertz is not ready for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been absent since August due to knee surgery. Hoped to come back earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his training and could not progress “the required stage.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is much more reliable and has more options,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development leaves a selection headache for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also available after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Further fitness issues surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in central defence for the league leaders.

The manager is convinced the substantial investment on new players ahead of this season has resulted in a much stronger position to deal with such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

When asked if a larger pool of players was benefiting their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, because this season has been worse in the attacking line, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he added.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in different positions, and they must be capable to perform various functions if we want to compete at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Addressing the complication noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He followed all protocols. He was unable to progress to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, in my view, I love so much for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his personality. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

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