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Mikel Arteta remains confident that his squad can persist in handling with player absences following disclosing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

Havertz has been sidelined since the summer following knee surgery. Originally slated to come back earlier in December, the manager stated the player encountered a problem when stepping up his rehabilitation and failed to reach “the next phase.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a team that is far more dependable and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This development creates a selection headache for the midweek match against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains an option post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Additional concerns surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in the backline for the table-toppers.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on new players in the last transfer window has left Arsenal in a more robust situation to navigate such absences.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

When asked if more options was helping their championship push, the manager agreed. “Absolutely, because this season has seen more issues in certain positions, and now the problems with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they must be capable to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at the highest level. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Star

Speaking about the delay noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his keenness to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. I mean, Havertz is someone that, personally, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his personality. I see him suffer being outside.”

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