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The Gunners' boss has expressed confidence that his side can keep managing with injury setbacks after revealing that attacker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

Havertz has been absent since the summer due to knee surgery. Originally slated to return earlier in December, the manager stated the player hit a snag when stepping up his rehabilitation and could not progress “the next phase.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a squad that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update creates a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal as a makeshift striker last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is in contention post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Additional concerns affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on new players in the last transfer window has left Arsenal in a more robust situation to navigate such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was aiding their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, as this campaign has presented greater challenges in the attacking line, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he added.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we are to fight at the top. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Addressing the setback noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his eagerness to see him return. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his nature. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I look forward to get him back involved on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”