Mikel Arteta gives fresh Kai Havertz update as Arsenal injury blow confirmed

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Mikel Arteta is optimistic that Kai Havertz can make his long-awaited return to action in Arsenal ’s FA Cup clash with Portsmouth. The Gunners travel to Fratton Park on Sunday afternoon in the third round of the competition.

Arteta is expected to shuffle his pack due to the congested fixture schedule that his side is set to face. One man who could be drafted into the side is German forward Kai Havertz.

The 26-year-old has made just one appearance so far this term, having picked up a serious knee injury at the start of the campaign. But having stepped up his rehabilitation over recent weeks, Arteta is hopeful that he could be included.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash, the Arsenal boss said: "If everything goes well, I think he's going to be in the squad again in the next few days.

"He trains well, he's increased his load, he's coping with that really well and he will be ready when we can have him."

Asked if expectations around Havertz must be tempered given his lengthy absence, Arteta replied: “Yes, but I understand this is the level as well. And when a player has the chance to put our shirt on and compete for us, you know that the demands are excellence - and that’s it. Kai is aware of that.”

One man who is however set to be sidelined is Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori . He has missed the last four league games.

Asked if he could feature, Arteta added: "I don't think so. I think that game is going to be too early for him."

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Arsenal’s side could look very different to usual, with Arteta anticipating changes. On potential rotation, the Arsenal boss said: “Well, let’s see who is available and if some players can be back for that game.

“But we have to manage [it], obviously, because what is coming again in the next few weeks. I think we have four away games in different competitions, and we have to make sure that everybody is participating, we continue to perform and win games. And we’re going to have to manage that one.”

Following their FA Cup clash with Portsmouth, Arsenal are then back in action in midweek as they take on Chelsea in the first-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash. That is followed by a crucial Premier League showdown with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool next weekend.

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