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Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his team can persist in handling with injury setbacks following revealing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The German forward has been absent for months due to an operation on his knee. Hoped to be available sooner, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when stepping up his training and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a squad that is far more dependable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development creates a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net playing out of position on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also an option post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Additional concerns involve centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the substantial investment on squad depth during the summer has resulted in a much stronger position to navigate such setbacks.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

When asked if a larger pool of players was aiding their championship push, the manager agreed. “Yes, since the current term has been worse in certain positions, and now the problems with the defence,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at the top. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Addressing the complication previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “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 welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his personality. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I look forward to have him back with the squad and playing because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”