Mikel Arteta has expressed optimism that Kai Havertz may feature in Arsenal's FA Cup third-round tie against Portsmouth on Sunday. The German forward has been sidelined since the start of the season with a serious knee injury, making only one appearance so far this campaign.
Speaking ahead of the match at Fratton Park, Arteta 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.'
Arteta acknowledged the need to manage expectations given Havertz's lengthy absence but stressed the high standards required. '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,' he added.
However, Riccardo Calafiori is unlikely to feature after missing the last four league matches. Arteta confirmed: 'I don't think so. I think that game is going to be too early for him.'
With a congested fixture schedule ahead, including a Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea and a Premier League match against Liverpool, Arteta plans to rotate his squad. 'We have to manage it... we have four away games in different competitions, and we have to make sure that everybody is participating,' he said.
