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Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his squad can keep managing with injury setbacks after revealing that star striker Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

Havertz has been absent since the summer due to an operation on his knee. Hoped to return sooner, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his recovery and failed to reach “to the next level.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is considerably steadier and has increased versatility,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This news creates a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains available after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Additional concerns affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta feels the substantial investment on reinforcements during the summer has resulted in a much stronger position to handle such unavailability.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

In response if a larger pool of players was aiding their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, because this season has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we are to fight at the top. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star

Speaking about the setback highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the next level and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, personally, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his personality. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he’s been always available, and I look forward to get him back around the team on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”