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Arsenal's manager remains confident that his team can continue to cope with injury setbacks following revealing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been out for months due to knee surgery. Hoped to be available at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player hit a snag when stepping up his training and failed to reach “the required stage.”

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

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This update creates a dilemma for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also an option post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Remain

More doubts affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to continue in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on reinforcements ahead of this season has left Arsenal in a far better place to deal with such setbacks.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

In response if more options was benefiting their championship push, the manager agreed. “Absolutely, since the current term has been worse in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he added.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in different positions, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we aim to challenge at the top. And the instance of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Commenting on the setback previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided further detail. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the required step and now the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his keenness to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, in my view, I value highly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his nature. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“His fitness history is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to get him back with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”