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Arsenal's manager feels assured that his side can keep managing with injury setbacks following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been out since August due to knee surgery. Originally slated to be available sooner, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when advancing his training and failed to reach “the required stage.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a group that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This news creates a tactical puzzle for the midweek home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position last weekend, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains in contention after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Linger

Further fitness issues surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on reinforcements during the summer has left Arsenal in a far better place to deal with such absences.

Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit

When asked if more options was aiding their title quest, the manager agreed. “Yes, because this season has been worse in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the delay previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, in my view, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back around the team on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a huge lift.”