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

Extended Absence for German Star

Havertz has been absent since August due to knee surgery. Initially expected to come back sooner, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when advancing his training and failed to reach “to the next level.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is considerably steadier and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This news creates a dilemma for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also available following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Persist

Additional concerns affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on squad depth in the last transfer window has resulted in a far better place to deal with such setbacks.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

In response if more options was benefiting their title quest, the manager agreed. “Indeed, because this season has seen more issues in some areas, and now the situation with the backline,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we have to use players in different positions, and they must be capable to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the complication highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his keenness to have him back. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I value highly for what he brings to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”