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Mikel Arteta remains confident that his side can keep managing with injury setbacks after confirming that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The German forward has been sidelined since the summer following an operation on his knee. Hoped to return at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when increasing his training and could not progress “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This update leaves a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is an option following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Remain

More doubts affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on reinforcements during the summer has resulted in a more robust situation to navigate such absences.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

When asked if a larger pool of players was benefiting their league challenge, his response was positive. “Indeed, as this campaign has presented greater challenges in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in various roles, and they must be capable to fulfil different roles if we aim to challenge at this level. And the example of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Commenting on the complication previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the next level and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

Arteta expressed his keenness to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, for me, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his character, his nature. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to see him return involved on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”