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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his squad can persist in handling with player absences following confirming that forward Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been absent since the summer due to an operation on his knee. Initially expected to be available sooner, the manager stated the player hit a snag when stepping up his rehabilitation and failed to reach “the required stage.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a team that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a tactical puzzle for the midweek match against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is an option after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Additional concerns affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in central defence for the league leaders.

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

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

In response if more options was helping their league challenge, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, because this season has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he added.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at this level. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Commenting on the delay noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now the signs are like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his personal desire to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his mentality, his attitude. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to have him back involved playing because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”