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The Gunners' boss has expressed confidence that his team can continue to cope with player absences following revealing that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been absent for months after undergoing an operation on his knee. Originally slated to return at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his rehabilitation and could not progress “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is much more reliable and has more options,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This update leaves a selection headache for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who found the net in an unfamiliar forward role last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is available post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Linger

Additional concerns surround centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the weekend encounter. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in central defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on squad depth during the summer has resulted in a far better place to deal with such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

When asked if increased squad depth was benefiting their championship push, his response was positive. “Absolutely, because this season has seen more issues in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he noted.

“History has shown 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 example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the complication previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided additional context. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the next level and now the signs are like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his personal desire to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. I mean, he is a footballer who, in my view, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his personality. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”