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

The Gunners' boss feels assured that his side can continue to cope with injury setbacks after revealing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The Germany international has been sidelined for months due to an operation on his knee. Originally slated to return sooner, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when increasing his rehabilitation and could not progress “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a team that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a tactical puzzle for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also an option after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Further fitness issues involve defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on squad depth in the last transfer window has resulted in a more robust situation to handle such absences.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

In response if increased squad depth was benefiting their league challenge, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, since the current term has seen more issues in some areas, and now the problems with the defence,” he continued.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in various roles, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at this level. And the instance of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Commenting on the delay noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his eagerness to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I love so much for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“His playing record is exceptional, he's rarely been injured, and I look forward to see him return with the squad and playing because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”