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The Gunners' boss remains confident that his squad can continue to cope with injury setbacks following revealing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The Germany international has been out for months after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to come back at the start of this month, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when advancing his training and could not progress “to the next level.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is far more dependable and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This update creates a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains available following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the significant outlay on reinforcements in the last transfer window has placed the club in a far better place to navigate such unavailability.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

Questioned if more options was benefiting their title quest, the manager agreed. “Indeed, because this season has been worse in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the highest level. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star

Speaking about the complication highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the subsequent stage and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”

Arteta expressed his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he’s been always available, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back with the squad playing because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”