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The Gunners' boss has expressed confidence that his team can persist in handling with player absences following confirming that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

Havertz has been out for months following knee surgery. Initially expected to return sooner, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when stepping up his recovery and failed to reach “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is considerably steadier and has increased versatility,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a tactical puzzle for the midweek home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains an option after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Persist

Additional concerns affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on squad depth in the last transfer window has resulted in a much stronger position to deal with such unavailability.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

Questioned if more options was helping their league challenge, his response was positive. “Yes, because this season has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at the top. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Speaking about the setback highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the next level and now the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, Havertz is someone that, for me, I value highly for what he brings to the team, but his mentality, his personality. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return with the squad playing because I believe it’s going to be a massive boost.”