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Arsenal's manager remains confident that his squad can keep managing with fitness issues after revealing that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been out since the summer due to knee surgery. Initially expected to be available earlier in December, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his training and could not progress “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also in contention after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Additional concerns affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on new players during the summer has resulted in a far better place to navigate such setbacks.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if a larger pool of players was helping their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, since the current term has presented greater challenges in the attacking line, and now the situation with the defence,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the top. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star

Addressing the complication noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the required step and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his personal desire to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, it’s a player that, for me, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is exceptional, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad playing because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”