🔗 Share this article Arteta Hails a More Dependable Team and Reveals Kai Havertz Setback. Mikel Arteta feels assured that his squad can persist in handling with fitness issues following revealing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks. Extended Absence for German Star The German forward has been out since the summer after undergoing knee surgery. Initially expected to come back earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when increasing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “to the next level.” “Our experience helped us build a squad that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” Arteta said. Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash This news presents a tactical puzzle for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also in contention after 11 months out. Fitness Doubts Linger Additional concerns involve centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in central defence for the league leaders. Arteta feels the substantial investment on squad depth in the last transfer window has left Arsenal in a much stronger position to handle such absences. Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge Questioned if more options was helping their league challenge, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, since the current term has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now the problems with the backline,” he added. “History has shown us that we have to use players in different positions, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we are to fight at the highest level. And the case of Mikel Merino.” Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Havertz Speaking about the complication previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered additional context. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.” He shared his personal desire to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, for me, I value highly for what he brings to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I watch him struggle while sidelined.” “His availability record is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I look forward to have him back with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”