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The Gunners' boss remains confident that his team can continue to cope with injury setbacks following revealing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The Germany international has been absent for months following an operation on his knee. Originally slated to return at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player faced a hurdle when increasing his rehabilitation and could not progress “the next phase.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a group that is far more dependable and has more options,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This update leaves a selection headache for the midweek match against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains an option post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Remain

More doubts involve centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. 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 substantial investment on new players ahead of this season has left Arsenal in a far better place to handle such absences.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if a larger pool of players was benefiting their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, because this season has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now the problems with the backline,” he added.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in different positions, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at the highest level. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the setback previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered additional context. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the next level and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his keenness to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his nature. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“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.”