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The Gunners' boss feels assured that his team can keep managing with player absences after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The Germany international has been absent since the summer after undergoing knee surgery. Originally slated to be available earlier in December, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when stepping up his rehabilitation and could not progress “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a selection headache for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains in contention after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Further fitness issues involve centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on new players in the last transfer window has placed the club in a more robust situation to handle such unavailability.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

When asked if more options was helping their championship push, his response was positive. “Absolutely, since the current term has been worse in certain positions, and now the situation with the backline,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at the top. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Commenting on the complication noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “His recovery was progressing. He failed to advance to the next level and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

The manager conveyed his personal desire to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, 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 being outside.”

“His availability record is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I look forward to get him back involved playing because I believe it’s going to be a huge lift.”