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The Gunners' boss feels assured that his squad can persist in handling with player absences after revealing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been absent since the summer due to an operation on his knee. Originally slated to come back at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when advancing his recovery and failed to reach “the required stage.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a team that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” stated the manager.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This news leaves a tactical puzzle for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is an option post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Remain

Further fitness issues involve defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on reinforcements in the last transfer window has resulted in a much stronger position to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

In response if a larger pool of players was aiding their league challenge, the manager agreed. “Indeed, as this campaign has seen more issues in certain positions, and now the problems with the backline,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at this level. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Speaking about the delay noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

Arteta expressed his keenness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, it’s a player that, for me, I value highly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his character, his nature. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I look forward to see him return involved and playing because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”