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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his squad can continue to cope with fitness issues following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

Havertz has been out since the summer following knee surgery. Originally slated to come back sooner, Arteta explained the player faced a hurdle when increasing his training and could not progress “the next phase.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a squad that is considerably steadier and has more options,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This development creates a selection headache for the midweek home game against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker last weekend, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also in contention post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Persist

More doubts affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to continue in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the significant outlay on new players during the summer has placed the club in a far better place to deal with such absences.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

When asked if a larger pool of players was aiding their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, because this season has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they must be capable to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at the top. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Commenting on the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “He followed all protocols. He was unable to progress to the next level and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his personal desire to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, in my view, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his personality. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I look forward to get him back around the team on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”