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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his team can continue to cope with fitness issues following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been out since the summer after undergoing an operation on his knee. Originally slated to be available earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when stepping up his recovery and was unable to move forward “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is considerably steadier and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update creates a tactical puzzle for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains in contention following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Persist

More doubts surround defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in central defence for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on squad depth ahead of this season has resulted in a much stronger position to handle such setbacks.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

In response if more options was benefiting their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, as this campaign has been worse in some areas, and now the situation with the defence,” he continued.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at this level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Speaking about the setback noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the next level and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his keenness to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his attitude. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His fitness history is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I look forward to have him back with the squad and playing because I believe it’s going to be a huge lift.”