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Mikel Arteta remains confident that his side can keep managing with injury setbacks following disclosing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been absent for months due to an operation on his knee. Originally slated to be available earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when increasing his rehabilitation and could not progress “to the next level.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a squad that is far more dependable and has more options,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development presents a selection headache for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also in contention after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Additional concerns involve defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in the heart of the defence for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the substantial investment on reinforcements during the summer has left Arsenal in a more robust situation to deal with such setbacks.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if more options was benefiting their title quest, his response was positive. “Indeed, because this season has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now the situation with the backline,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Addressing the delay highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave additional context. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the next level and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his personal desire to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, Havertz is someone that, for me, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his personality. I watch him struggle being outside.”

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