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Arsenal's manager feels assured that his side can persist in handling with fitness issues after disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

The Germany international has been absent for months following an operation on his knee. Initially expected to come back earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his rehabilitation and failed to reach “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update creates a selection headache for the midweek fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored in an unfamiliar forward role against Chelsea, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains in contention post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Remain

Further fitness issues involve centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably keep their places in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on squad depth ahead of this season has resulted in a much stronger position to deal with such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

When asked if increased squad depth was helping their title quest, his response was positive. “Absolutely, as this campaign has seen more issues in the attacking line, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we need to utilize players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the top. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Havertz

Commenting on the delay highlighted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the required step and now the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his personal desire to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, personally, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his mentality, his nature. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“His availability record is exceptional, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to have him back around the team and playing because I think it’s going to be a massive boost.”