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Arsenal's manager feels assured that his team can persist in handling with player absences following confirming that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The Germany international has been out since the summer after undergoing knee surgery. Initially expected to be available sooner, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when increasing his rehabilitation and was unable to move forward “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a squad that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains an option post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Further fitness issues surround defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in central defence for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on new players ahead of this season has resulted in a much stronger position to handle such absences.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if a larger pool of players was helping their league challenge, the manager agreed. “Absolutely, as this campaign has been worse in the attacking line, and now the problems with the defence,” he continued.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they need to be prepared to adapt to new tasks if we aim to challenge at the top. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the delay previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “He followed all protocols. He was unable to progress to the next level and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, personally, I love so much for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his personality. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to get him back around the team and playing because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”