The Gunners boss, already without Thomas Partey due to a muscular injury suffered shortly after he returned from a groin problem, has also lost Emile Smith Rowe due to a knee issue.
"He will be out for weeks," Arteta said of the 23-year-old at his press conference on Friday after he missed the Carabao Cup loss to West Ham. "How many weeks will depend on how he progresses. It's a big blow because he was getting some momentum."
Smith Rowe made his first Premier League start since May 2022 in Saturday's 5-0 win over Sheffield United but his injury, together with Partey's, leaves Arsenal light again as they head to St James' Park, with particular uncertainty around the left-sided No 8 role.
Arsenal's win over Sheff Utd
Havertz struggling to fill Xhaka void
Arsenal's injuries have intensified the focus on Kai Havertz but Arteta was dismissive when asked whether he was concerned about the former Chelsea player's form in his press conference.
"I'm not going to pick out any individual," said the Arsenal boss. "We play as a team. When we play to our best, it's the team. When we don't, I am the maximum responsible for that."
Arteta has offered unwavering support for Havertz since his £65m arrival in the summer but adapting to his new role on the left side of the Spaniard's midfield has proved difficult.
Havertz started Arsenal's first four Premier League games of the season in the position as Arteta initially resisted external pressure to drop him, but since then he has only started two of six, his best contributions coming when he has been pushed up front.
Kai Havertz rues a missed chance against Manchester United
Image: Kai Havertz has only scored once in 16 games for Arsenal so far
The £65m fee ensured expectations were high following his arrival at the Emirates Stadium but replacing Granit Xhaka was never likely to be easy given how important he had become in the role.Merson this week.
"You have to play Declan Rice in the centre of the midfield. He pushes the team forward and you saw that when Jorginho went off. Rice moved into the middle and Arsenal began to get on top of Chelsea."
Arsenal were trailing 2-0 at the time of Jorginho's withdrawal but went on to salvage a draw. It is also worth noting that their winner against Manchester City came after the Italy international had made way for Partey, whose long pass helped set up the goal.
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