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The Gunners' boss feels assured that his squad can continue to cope with injury setbacks following disclosing that forward Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been absent since August after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to be available at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when stepping up his recovery and failed to reach “to the next level.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a group that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This news creates a dilemma for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return after a fitness issue as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains available after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Additional concerns affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Consequently, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in central defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on new players ahead of this season has placed the club in a much stronger position to navigate such setbacks.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

In response if a larger pool of players was aiding their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, since the current term has presented greater challenges in the attacking line, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they must be capable to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at the top. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Speaking about the delay highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his personal desire to see him return. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his character, his nature. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His availability record is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to have him back around the team and playing because I believe it’s going to be a massive boost.”