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The Gunners' boss feels assured that his side can persist in handling with injury setbacks following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been out for months following an operation on his knee. Initially expected to come back at the start of this month, the manager stated the player hit a snag when increasing his rehabilitation and failed to reach “the next phase.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is far more dependable and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This development creates a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also an option after 11 months out.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Additional concerns involve defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. As a result, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on reinforcements in the last transfer window has resulted in a far better place to handle such setbacks.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was helping their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, because this season has been worse in some areas, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he added.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they must be capable to perform various functions if we are to fight at this level. And the example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the setback highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “His recovery was progressing. He failed to advance to the subsequent stage and now the signs are like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his keenness to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, in my view, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to have him back with the squad and playing because I believe it’s going to be a huge lift.”