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The Gunners' boss remains confident that his team can keep managing with player absences after confirming that forward Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The German forward has been sidelined since August following an operation on his knee. Originally slated to return at the start of this month, the manager stated the player encountered a problem when increasing his training and could not progress “to the next level.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a team that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This development creates a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is an option following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Remain

Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on squad depth in the last transfer window has left Arsenal in a more robust situation to deal with such setbacks.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if a larger pool of players was aiding their league challenge, his response was positive. “Indeed, since the current term has been worse in the attacking line, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the top. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Havertz

Commenting on the complication highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his personal desire to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, for me, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his attitude. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a huge lift.”