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The Gunners' boss has expressed confidence that his squad can persist in handling with injury setbacks after disclosing that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The German forward has been sidelined for months after undergoing an operation on his knee. Hoped to be available sooner, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when stepping up his recovery and was unable to move forward “to the next level.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a selection headache for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, 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.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Additional concerns affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. Consequently, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on squad depth in the last transfer window has left Arsenal in a more robust situation to handle such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

When asked if increased squad depth was helping their league challenge, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, since the current term has seen more issues in certain positions, and now the problems with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we have to use players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at this level. And the instance of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

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

Arteta expressed his keenness to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his mentality, his nature. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back with the squad and playing because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”