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Mikel Arteta remains confident that his team can keep managing with player absences following disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The Germany international has been out since August following an operation on his knee. Hoped to be available at the start of this month, Arteta explained the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his training and could not progress “the next phase.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a squad that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.

Tactical Decisions for Midweek Fixture

This development leaves a selection headache for the midweek home game against Brentford. The manager needs to decide between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal as a makeshift striker on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also available after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Further fitness issues surround defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to start again in central defence for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on squad depth in the last transfer window has resulted in a more robust situation to navigate such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Title Challenge

In response if more options was helping their title quest, Arteta was emphatic. “Absolutely, since the current term has seen more issues in certain positions, and now the problems with the backline,” he noted.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we must deploy players in different positions, and they must be capable to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at this level. And the case of Mikel is just the best one.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Speaking about the setback previously mentioned by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “He followed all protocols. He could not go to the subsequent stage and now it appears like we have overcome that hurdle.”

He shared his keenness to see him return. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, for me, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his nature. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“His fitness history is phenomenal, he's usually fit, and I look forward to have him back around the team on the pitch because I think it’s going to be a huge lift.”