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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his squad can persist in handling with injury setbacks after confirming that star striker Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been absent since August after undergoing knee surgery. Initially expected to come back at the start of this month, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when advancing his training and could not progress “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This news leaves a selection headache for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return from a muscle injury off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is an option after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Additional concerns affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on new players ahead of this season has left Arsenal in a far better place to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if more options was helping their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, because this season has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he added.

“We learned from the past 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 instance of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the setback previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the required step and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his keenness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to see him return around the team on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”