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The Gunners' boss remains confident that his team can persist in handling with player absences after disclosing that attacker Kai Havertz remains out for several more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The German forward has been out since August following knee surgery. Initially expected to come back earlier in December, the manager stated the player encountered a problem when increasing his training and failed to reach “the required stage.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is considerably steadier and has more options,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This development creates a dilemma for the midweek match against Brentford. Arteta must choose between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly after a fitness issue in the latter stages. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains in contention after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Linger

Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the weekend encounter. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in the backline for the league leaders.

Arteta feels the £250m spend on reinforcements ahead of this season has placed the club in a far better place to deal with such absences.

Greater Options Key to Premier League Pursuit

In response if a larger pool of players was aiding their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, as this campaign has been worse in certain positions, and now the situation with the defence,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we need to utilize players in different positions, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at the top. And the case of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Havertz

Commenting on the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered additional context. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the next level and now the signs are like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his eagerness to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, personally, I love so much for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”

“His fitness history is outstanding, he's rarely been injured, and I look forward to see him return with the squad on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a significant uplift.”