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Arsenal's manager feels assured that his team can continue to cope with player absences following revealing that forward Kai Havertz is not ready for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The German forward has been out since August due to an operation on his knee. Hoped to come back at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when increasing his recovery and failed to reach “the next phase.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a team that is considerably steadier and has more options,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This development presents a selection headache for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains available post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

More doubts affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to continue in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on squad depth in the last transfer window has placed the club in a far better place to handle such unavailability.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

When asked if a larger pool of players was benefiting their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, because this season has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they need to be prepared to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the top. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Commenting on the complication highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the required step and now the signs are like we have overcome that hurdle.”

Arteta expressed his keenness to have him back. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, in my view, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his personality. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I look forward to get him back with the squad playing because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”