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Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his team can persist in handling with player absences after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

Havertz has been absent for months following an operation on his knee. Hoped to come back earlier in December, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when advancing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update creates a selection headache for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is an option after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Further fitness issues surround centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the weekend encounter. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in the backline for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on reinforcements ahead of this season has placed the club in a far better place to deal with such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

In response if a larger pool of players was benefiting their league challenge, the manager agreed. “Indeed, since the current term has been worse in some areas, and now the problems with the defence,” he added.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the highest level. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his eagerness to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, it’s a player that, for me, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his character, his personality. I see him suffer being outside.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I look forward to see him return with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”