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Arsenal's manager feels assured that his team can continue to cope with injury setbacks after revealing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

Havertz has been out for months due to knee surgery. Hoped to come back sooner, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when increasing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “to the next level.”

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

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This development leaves a dilemma for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains an option following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Remain

More doubts affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in the heart of the defence for the league leaders.

The manager is convinced the substantial investment on squad depth in the last transfer window has left Arsenal in a far better place to deal with such absences.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

In response if increased squad depth was helping their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, as this campaign 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 must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at this level. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Star

Commenting on the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “His recovery was progressing. He failed to advance to the next level and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to see him return. “We’re all desperate to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, in my view, I love so much for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I look forward to see him return around the team and playing because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”