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The Gunners' boss feels assured that his squad can persist in handling with injury setbacks following confirming that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

Havertz has been sidelined since August after undergoing knee surgery. Hoped to come back sooner, the manager stated the player hit a snag when increasing his recovery and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

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

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This news presents a tactical puzzle for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is in contention post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Persist

More doubts affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in central defence for the Premier League front-runners.

The manager is convinced the substantial investment on squad depth in the last transfer window has resulted in a much stronger position to navigate such absences.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

Questioned if more options was helping their championship push, the manager agreed. “Indeed, because this season has been worse in the attacking line, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he added.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in different positions, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the top. And the example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the complication highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the next level and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his keenness to see him return. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, for me, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his personality. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I look forward to have him back with the squad playing because I believe it’s going to be a massive boost.”