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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his side can persist in handling with player absences following confirming that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been out since August due to knee surgery. Originally slated to be available at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when increasing his training and failed to reach “to the next level.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a squad that is considerably steadier and has more options,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This news presents a dilemma for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also available post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Persist

More doubts surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the weekend encounter. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in the backline for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the substantial investment on reinforcements ahead of this season has placed the club in a much stronger position to navigate such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

In response if increased squad depth was benefiting their championship push, his response was positive. “Indeed, since the current term has presented greater challenges in the attacking line, and now the situation with the defence,” he continued.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in different positions, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at this level. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Commenting on the setback highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the required step and now it’s looking like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his keenness to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate 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 mentality, his nature. I see him suffer being outside.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”