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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his team can keep managing with injury setbacks after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The German forward has been out for months due to knee surgery. Initially expected to return sooner, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his training and was unable to move forward “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a group that is considerably steadier and has more options,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development presents a selection headache for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is in contention after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Linger

More doubts affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on new players during the summer has left Arsenal in a more robust situation to handle such absences.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

In response if more options was benefiting their championship push, the manager agreed. “Indeed, as this campaign has been worse in the attacking line, and now the situation with the defence,” he continued.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they must be capable to fulfil different roles if we aim to challenge at the top. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Havertz

Commenting on the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the required step and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his eagerness to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, for me, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his mentality, his attitude. I watch him struggle on the sidelines.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I look forward to see him return involved on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”