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Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his team can continue to cope with fitness issues after confirming that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The Germany international has been out since the summer following knee surgery. Originally slated to be available at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player faced a hurdle when advancing his training and could not progress “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update presents a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains an option following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Further fitness issues surround defender William Saliba and winger 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 league leaders.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on squad depth during the summer has left Arsenal in a more robust situation to deal with such absences.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

In response if more options was helping their title quest, the manager agreed. “Indeed, as this campaign has been worse in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he continued.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Commenting on the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the next level and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his keenness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, it’s a player that, for me, I love so much for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his personality. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he’s been always available, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back involved on the pitch because I believe it’s going to be a huge lift.”