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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his team can keep managing with injury setbacks following confirming that attacker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been absent for months due to knee surgery. Originally slated to come back sooner, the manager stated the player hit a snag when stepping up his recovery and failed to reach “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a squad that is far more dependable and has more options,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This update presents a dilemma for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker last weekend, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains an option after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Persist

More doubts surround defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in the backline for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on new players in the last transfer window has resulted in a more robust situation to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was benefiting their league challenge, the manager agreed. “Indeed, because this season has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at this level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Commenting on the complication highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He was unable to progress to the next level and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his personal desire to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, it’s a player that, personally, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his character, his attitude. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I look forward to have him back involved on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a huge lift.”