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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his squad can keep managing with fitness issues following revealing that forward Kai Havertz is not ready for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The Germany international has been sidelined since August following an operation on his knee. Initially expected to be available at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when increasing his recovery and failed to reach “to the next level.”

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

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update creates a selection headache for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains an option after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Linger

Additional concerns affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Consequently, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in central defence for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the significant outlay on squad depth in the last transfer window has resulted in a far better place to handle such setbacks.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if a larger pool of players was helping their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, as this campaign has been worse in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in various roles, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we want to compete at the highest level. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the complication noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the next level and now the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, personally, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his personality. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back involved and playing because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”