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Mikel Arteta remains confident that his side can persist in handling with injury setbacks following disclosing that star striker Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

The Germany international has been absent since the summer after undergoing an operation on his knee. Initially expected to come back at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when increasing his training and could not progress “the next phase.”

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

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This update leaves a selection headache for Wednesday’s home game against Brentford. A decision is required between continuing to use Mikel Merino, who scored as a makeshift striker last weekend, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly off the bench as a substitute. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus remains in contention following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Persist

More doubts affect defender William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Stamford Bridge game. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in the heart of the defence for the league leaders.

Arteta believes the significant outlay on reinforcements ahead of this season has placed the club in a much stronger position to navigate such absences.

Greater Options Vital for Premier League Pursuit

In response if more options was benefiting their championship push, his response was positive. “Yes, since the current term has seen more issues in certain positions, and now what’s happening with the backline,” he continued.

“We learned from the past that we have to use players in different positions, and they have to be able to adapt to new tasks if we want to compete at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is just the best one.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Commenting on the delay noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave more insight. “His recovery was progressing. He could not go to the next level and now the signs are like we have overcome that hurdle.”

Arteta expressed his eagerness to have him back. “Everyone is eager to have him. Truly, he is a footballer who, personally, I admire greatly for what he brings to the team, but his character, his nature. I watch him struggle being outside.”

“His playing record is exceptional, he's usually fit, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad and playing because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”