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Mikel Arteta remains confident that his team can continue to cope with injury setbacks after revealing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been sidelined since August following an operation on his knee. Originally slated to be available at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when stepping up his recovery and failed to reach “to the next level.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a team that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This news leaves a dilemma for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is available after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Linger

More doubts involve defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in the backline for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on reinforcements during the summer has resulted in a far better place to deal with such absences.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was helping their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, as this campaign has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we have to use players in different positions, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Addressing the delay previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered additional context. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the required step and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, personally, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his character, his personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is exceptional, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return with the squad on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a massive boost.”