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The Gunners' boss has expressed confidence that his team can keep managing with player absences after confirming that attacker Kai Havertz is not ready for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been out since August after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to come back earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his training and could not progress “to the next level.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a group that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This news creates a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who got a goal as a makeshift striker last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is in contention following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Further fitness issues surround centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in central defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on new players ahead of this season has resulted in a far better place to deal with such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

In response if a larger pool of players was aiding their championship push, his response was positive. “Yes, because this season has been worse in certain positions, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in various roles, and they must be capable to perform various functions if we are to fight at this level. And the example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Addressing the setback previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He failed to advance to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, for me, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his nature. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His playing record is exceptional, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return around the team on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”