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Arsenal's manager remains confident that his side can keep managing with player absences after revealing that attacker Kai Havertz will not return for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The German forward has been absent for months due to an operation on his knee. Initially expected to return earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when increasing his training and could not progress “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a team that is much more reliable and has greater depth,” commented Arteta.

Selection Dilemma for Midweek Fixture

This development creates a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who came back off the bench as a substitute. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is an option post-recovery.

Defensive Concerns Linger

More doubts surround defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. Therefore, recent arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to keep their places in the heart of the defence for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on squad depth ahead of this season has placed the club in a much stronger position to handle such absences.

Greater Options Vital for Title Challenge

Questioned if a larger pool of players was benefiting their championship push, Arteta was emphatic. “Yes, because this season has been worse in certain positions, and now the problems with the backline,” he noted.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in alternative spots, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we are to fight at the top. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Frustrated Havertz

Addressing the complication previously mentioned by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “He was doing everything. He was unable to progress to the next level and now it appears like we have solved that issue.”

He shared his keenness to welcome him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, personally, I value highly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his personality. I see him suffer while sidelined.”

“His playing record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I look forward to have him back with the squad playing because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”