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Arsenal's manager remains confident that his team can persist in handling with fitness issues following confirming that forward Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been out since the summer following knee surgery. Originally slated to be available sooner, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when increasing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This update leaves a selection headache for the midweek home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also in contention after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Additional concerns affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Stamford Bridge game. 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 £250m spend on reinforcements ahead of this season has resulted in a far better place to handle such unavailability.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

When asked if more options was benefiting their championship push, the manager agreed. “Absolutely, because this season has been worse in the attacking line, and now the situation with the backline,” he continued.

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

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Commenting on the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the next level and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

The manager conveyed his personal desire to have him back. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his character, his nature. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back involved and playing because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”