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Arsenal's manager remains confident that his squad can keep managing with player absences after revealing that star striker Kai Havertz will not return for the coming weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The German forward has been sidelined since August due to knee surgery. Hoped to return sooner, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when stepping up his training and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a squad that is much more reliable and has more options,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This news creates a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back off the bench as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is in contention following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Linger

Further fitness issues affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in the backline for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on squad depth ahead of this season has left Arsenal in a much stronger position to deal with such setbacks.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

Questioned if a larger pool of players was benefiting their league challenge, his response was positive. “Yes, 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 need to be prepared to perform various functions if we are to fight at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Speaking about the complication noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered additional context. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the next level and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, in my view, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I look forward to see him return involved playing because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”