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The Gunners' boss feels assured that his team can persist in handling with fitness issues following confirming that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The Germany international has been absent for months following an operation on his knee. Hoped to return at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his training and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a group that is far more dependable and has more options,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This news leaves a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who found the net playing out of position against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains an option post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Additional concerns surround defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the heart of the defence for the league leaders.

The manager is convinced the substantial investment on squad depth during the summer has resulted in a more robust situation to deal with such setbacks.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

In response if more options was benefiting their league challenge, his response was positive. “Indeed, as this campaign has been worse in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the complication highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered additional context. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his keenness to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I look forward to see him return involved and playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”