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Arsenal's manager remains confident that his side can keep managing with injury setbacks following revealing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been absent since August due to knee surgery. Originally slated to be available sooner, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his recovery and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is considerably steadier and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This news leaves a selection headache for the midweek match against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains available after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Persist

More doubts involve defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in central defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on reinforcements during the summer has left Arsenal in a far better place to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

Questioned if more options was aiding their title quest, the manager agreed. “Absolutely, since the current term has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now the situation with the backline,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in various roles, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we aim to challenge at the top. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Commenting on the complication highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

The manager conveyed his personal desire to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, personally, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his personality. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to get him back around the team on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a massive boost.”