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Arsenal's manager remains confident that his squad can continue to cope with player absences following disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

Havertz has been absent since the summer following an operation on his knee. Hoped to return at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when increasing his training and could not progress “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development creates a tactical puzzle for the midweek home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains in contention following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Remain

Additional concerns affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in the backline for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on reinforcements ahead of this season has placed the club in a much stronger position to deal with such absences.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

In response if more options was benefiting their championship push, his response was positive. “Indeed, since the current term has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they must be capable to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at the top. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Speaking about the complication highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered additional context. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

The manager conveyed his personal desire to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, Havertz is someone that, for me, I love so much for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his personality. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return with the squad and playing because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”