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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his squad can persist in handling with injury setbacks after confirming that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The German forward has been sidelined since the summer after undergoing knee surgery. Originally slated to be available at the start of this month, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when increasing his rehabilitation and was unable to move forward “to the next level.”

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

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This news presents a selection headache for the midweek match against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position last weekend, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who came back after a fitness issue as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also in contention post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Remain

Additional concerns surround defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in the backline for the table-toppers.

The manager is convinced the significant outlay on new players in the last transfer window has placed the club in a far better place to deal with such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was benefiting their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Indeed, since the current term has seen more issues in some areas, and now the problems with the backline,” he continued.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in various roles, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at the top. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Addressing the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “His recovery was progressing. He failed to advance to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his keenness to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, personally, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his personality. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I look forward to see him return with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”