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Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his side can continue to cope with injury setbacks after revealing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

Havertz has been absent since August following an operation on his knee. Hoped to come back at the start of this month, the manager stated the player hit a snag when increasing his recovery and was unable to move forward “to the next level.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is considerably steadier and has more options,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update presents a dilemma for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return from a muscle injury off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains available post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in central defence for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on squad depth in the last transfer window has placed the club in a much stronger position to deal with such absences.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

In response if more options was aiding their title quest, his response was positive. “Yes, as this campaign has been worse in some areas, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in different positions, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the top. And the instance of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Speaking about the setback previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his eagerness to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, in my view, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his personality. I observe his frustration while sidelined.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he’s been always available, and I look forward to see him return with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”