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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his team can persist in handling with injury setbacks following confirming that attacker Kai Havertz is not ready for several more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The Germany international has been out since the summer following an operation on his knee. Originally slated to return sooner, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when increasing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is much more reliable and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This development presents a dilemma for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back from a muscle injury off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is in contention after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Persist

Further fitness issues affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to continue in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on new players ahead of this season has left Arsenal in a far better place to deal with such setbacks.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if a larger pool of players was aiding their championship push, his response was positive. “Indeed, since the current term has been worse in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he added.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we aim to challenge at the top. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star

Speaking about the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the next level and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his keenness to have him back. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, it’s a player that, personally, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his nature. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

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