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Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his team can persist in handling with fitness issues after revealing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been sidelined since the summer following knee surgery. Originally slated to come back at the start of this month, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when increasing his recovery and could not progress “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is much more reliable and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also available following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Linger

Additional concerns involve centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. Consequently, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.

The manager is convinced the significant outlay on squad depth ahead of this season has left Arsenal in a far better place to deal with such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if increased squad depth was helping their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, since the current term has been worse in some areas, and now the problems with the backline,” he added.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we need to utilize players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we want to compete at the highest level. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the delay previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his keenness to see him return. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, Havertz is someone that, for me, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his attitude. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to have him back involved and playing because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”