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The Gunners' boss remains confident that his team can keep managing with injury setbacks following confirming that forward Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been sidelined since August due to an operation on his knee. Originally slated to be available earlier in December, the manager stated the player encountered a problem when advancing his recovery and could not progress “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a dilemma for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who found the net as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains available post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Remain

Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on squad depth during the summer has resulted in a much stronger position to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

In response if a larger pool of players was aiding their title quest, his response was positive. “Yes, since the current term has presented greater challenges in the attacking line, and now what’s happening with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we aim to challenge at the top. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Star

Addressing the complication highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the required step and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, personally, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”

“His playing record is phenomenal, he’s been always available, and I look forward to see him return with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”