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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his team can persist in handling with player absences following revealing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for German Star

Havertz has been sidelined since August after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to be available at the start of this month, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his training and could not progress “to the next level.”

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

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development creates a selection headache for Wednesday’s fixture at the Emirates against Brentford. Arteta must choose between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return from a muscle injury as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains in contention post-recovery.

Fitness Doubts Persist

Additional concerns surround defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who sat out the weekend encounter. Consequently, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably start again in the heart of the defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on new players in the last transfer window has resulted in a more robust situation to handle such absences.

Greater Options Key to Title Challenge

Questioned if a larger pool of players was helping their championship push, his response was positive. “Yes, because this season has presented greater challenges in some areas, and now the problems with the defence,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in alternative spots, and they need to be prepared to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the top. And the instance of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Commenting on the delay noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the next level and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

He shared his eagerness to see him return. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly for the qualities he offers to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I see him suffer on the sidelines.”

“His fitness history is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I look forward to have him back around the team and playing because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”