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The Gunners' boss remains confident that his team can keep managing with player absences following confirming that forward Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for German Star

The Germany international has been sidelined since the summer due to knee surgery. Hoped to return sooner, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when advancing his training and could not progress “the required stage.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a team that is considerably steadier and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development leaves a dilemma for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is in contention following a lengthy absence.

Fitness Doubts Remain

Further fitness issues affect centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in central defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on reinforcements during the summer has placed the club in a more robust situation to handle such absences.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

When asked if increased squad depth was benefiting their league challenge, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, since the current term has seen more issues in some areas, and now the problems with the defence,” he added.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in various roles, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we aim to challenge at the highest level. And the instance of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Addressing the complication previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the required step and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his keenness to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Truly, Havertz is someone that, personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his character, his nature. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to see him return with the squad playing because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”