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Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his squad can keep managing with fitness issues after disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for the coming weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The Germany international has been out for months after undergoing knee surgery. Hoped to come back sooner, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when advancing his training and failed to reach “to the next level.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a squad that is considerably steadier and has increased versatility,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This news presents a dilemma for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also in contention following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Additional concerns involve centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in the heart of the defence for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on new players in the last transfer window has placed the club in a far better place to handle such absences.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

In response if more options was helping their league challenge, the manager agreed. “Indeed, as this campaign has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now the problems with the defence,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we have to use players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we want to compete at the top. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the setback previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

The manager conveyed his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, personally, I value highly for his contributions to the team, but his character, his attitude. I observe his frustration while sidelined.”

“His playing record is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to see him return with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”