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The Gunners' boss remains confident that his squad can keep managing with fitness issues following confirming that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been absent for months due to an operation on his knee. Originally slated to come back sooner, the manager stated the player hit a snag when stepping up his recovery and failed to reach “the required stage.”

“We learned, and we were able to put together a squad that is far more dependable and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update presents a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position against Chelsea, or recalling Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is available post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Persist

More doubts surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who sat out the Chelsea match. Consequently, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in central defence for the league leaders.

The manager is convinced the £250m spend on new players during the summer has placed the club in a far better place to handle such setbacks.

Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit

In response if more options was benefiting their league challenge, the manager agreed. “Yes, as this campaign has seen more issues in some areas, and now the problems with the backline,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they must be capable to perform various functions if we are to fight at this level. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the complication highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided additional context. “He followed all protocols. He was unable to progress to the next level and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

Arteta expressed his personal desire to welcome him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, personally, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his character, his personality. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad and playing because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”