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Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his team can persist in handling with injury setbacks following confirming that star striker Kai Havertz is not ready for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been absent for months after undergoing an operation on his knee. Originally slated to return sooner, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when increasing his rehabilitation and could not progress “to the next level.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a group that is considerably steadier and has more options,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This news leaves a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains in contention post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Persist

More doubts affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in the heart of the defence for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on new players during the summer has left Arsenal in a far better place to navigate such absences.

Squad Depth Key to Title Challenge

Questioned if more options was helping their championship push, the manager agreed. “Indeed, since the current term has seen more issues in certain positions, and now the situation with the backline,” he added.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to perform various functions if we are to fight at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Addressing the delay noted by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the subsequent stage and now the signs are like we have unlocked that.”

The manager conveyed his personal desire to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. Truly, it’s a player that, in my view, I value highly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his mentality, his nature. I observe his frustration on the sidelines.”

“His playing record is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to see him return involved on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”