Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his team can persist in handling with fitness issues after revealing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.
Havertz has been absent since the summer after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to be available at the start of this month, the manager stated the player hit a snag when stepping up his rehabilitation and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”
“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a group that is considerably steadier and has more options,” Arteta said.
This development leaves a tactical puzzle for the midweek match against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who found the net playing out of position last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is in contention after 11 months out.
Additional concerns affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to continue in the backline for the table-toppers.
The manager is convinced the substantial investment on reinforcements ahead of this season has resulted in a much stronger position to navigate such setbacks.
Questioned if a larger pool of players was benefiting their championship push, his response was positive. “Indeed, as this campaign has seen more issues in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.
“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at this level. And the case of Mikel Merino.”
Commenting on the setback noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided additional context. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the required step and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”
The manager conveyed his personal desire to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his personality. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”
“His playing record is exceptional, he’s been always available, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad and playing because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”
A professional blackjack strategist with over a decade of casino experience, specializing in card counting and probability analysis.
News
News
News
Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson