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Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his squad can continue to cope with fitness issues following confirming that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

Havertz has been out for months following knee surgery. Initially expected to come back at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player faced a hurdle when increasing his training and failed to reach “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a squad that is considerably steadier and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This development presents a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also in contention post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Further fitness issues affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in the heart of the defence for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the significant outlay on new players during the summer has left Arsenal in a far better place to navigate such absences.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

Questioned if increased squad depth was benefiting their championship push, his response was positive. “Yes, since the current term has been worse in certain positions, and now the situation with the backline,” he continued.

“We learned from the past 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 highest level. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Commenting on the complication highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, it’s a player that, personally, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his mentality, his nature. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back around the team playing because I believe it’s going to be a significant uplift.”