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Mikel Arteta feels assured that his team can persist in handling with player absences after disclosing that forward Kai Havertz will not return for several more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

The Germany international has been absent since the summer following an operation on his knee. Initially expected to be available sooner, the manager stated the player faced a hurdle when stepping up his rehabilitation and was unable to move forward “to the next level.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is much more reliable and has more options,” Arteta said.

Tactical Decisions for Brentford Clash

This news presents a tactical puzzle for the midweek match 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 after a fitness issue off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is in contention post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Additional concerns affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again in the backline for the Premier League front-runners.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on squad depth ahead of this season has left Arsenal in a far better place to deal with such unavailability.

Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was helping their championship push, the manager agreed. “Indeed, as this campaign has been worse in some areas, and now the problems with the backline,” he continued.

“History has shown us that we must deploy players in different positions, and they need to be prepared to fulfil different roles if we want to compete at this level. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Arteta's Support for Frustrated Star

Speaking about the setback previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered further detail. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the required step and now it’s looking like we have overcome that hurdle.”

The manager conveyed his personal desire to see him return. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, for me, I love so much for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his personality. I watch him struggle while sidelined.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I can’t wait to get him back with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a massive boost.”