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Arsenal's manager feels assured that his side can continue to cope with injury setbacks following revealing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been out since August following knee surgery. Initially expected to return at the start of this month, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when increasing his rehabilitation and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a group that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update presents a selection headache for the midweek home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back off the bench as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is available following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Remain

More doubts affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Stamford Bridge game. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to continue in the backline for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the substantial investment on new players during the summer has resulted in a much stronger position to deal with such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

When asked if more options was aiding their championship push, his response was positive. “Yes, as this campaign has been worse in some areas, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we need to utilize players in different positions, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the top. And the instance of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Commenting on the complication previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the subsequent stage and now the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his nature. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is exceptional, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”