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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his side can keep managing with fitness issues following disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz will not return for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The German forward has been sidelined since August due to an operation on his knee. Originally slated to be available at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when stepping up his recovery and was unable to move forward “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is much more reliable and has increased versatility,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This development creates a dilemma for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also available after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Further fitness issues surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in central defence for the league leaders.

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

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

In response if a larger pool of players was benefiting their league challenge, his response was positive. “Yes, as this campaign has been worse in some areas, and now the situation with the defence,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the top. And the example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Star

Addressing the delay noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the required step and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to have him back. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his character, his personality. I observe his frustration while sidelined.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to see him return involved and playing because I believe it’s going to be a huge lift.”