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Mikel Arteta remains confident that his squad can keep managing with fitness issues after confirming that forward Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been sidelined since August after undergoing knee surgery. Initially expected to come back at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player faced a hurdle when advancing his recovery and failed to reach “to the next level.”

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

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This development presents a dilemma for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains available following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Further fitness issues involve defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in the backline for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on squad depth in the last transfer window has left Arsenal in a much stronger position to navigate such unavailability.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

In response if more options was helping their championship push, his response was positive. “Yes, as this campaign has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in different positions, and they must be capable to fulfil different roles if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Star

Commenting on the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “He followed all protocols. He was unable to progress to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, personally, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his personality. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I look forward to see him return around the team on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”