🔗 Share this article Arteta Applauds ‘More Reliable’ Squad and Confirms Kai Havertz Injury Blow. The Gunners' boss remains confident that his side can persist in handling with fitness issues following revealing that forward Kai Havertz remains out for a few more weeks. Extended Absence for German Star Havertz has been sidelined for months following knee surgery. Originally slated to be available earlier in December, Arteta revealed the player hit a snag when stepping up his rehabilitation and failed to reach “to the next level.” “We learned, and we were able to put together a team that is much more reliable and has more options,” Arteta said. Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash This update presents a selection headache for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who got a goal playing out of position on Sunday, or bringing back Viktor Gyökeres, who featured briefly from a muscle injury off the bench. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also in contention after 11 months out. Defensive Concerns Remain Additional concerns surround centre-back William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard, who both missed the Chelsea match. As a result, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié will probably continue in central defence for the league leaders. Arteta believes the significant outlay on reinforcements ahead of this season has placed the club in a more robust situation to deal with such setbacks. Squad Depth Key to Premier League Pursuit In response if increased squad depth was benefiting their championship push, his response was positive. “Yes, because this season has been worse in the attacking line, and now the problems with the defence,” he continued. “We learned from the past that we must deploy players in various roles, and they have to be able to fulfil different roles if we are to fight at this level. And the case of Mikel Merino.” Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star Commenting on the delay highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta provided more insight. “He was doing everything. He could not go to the required step and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.” Arteta expressed his keenness to welcome him back. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, he is a footballer who, in my view, I value highly for what he brings to the team, but his mentality, his attitude. I observe his frustration while sidelined.” “His availability record is outstanding, he's usually fit, and I look forward to see him return involved playing because I feel it’s going to be a huge lift.”