Mikel Arteta has delivered a significant boost to Arsenal supporters by confirming that forward Kai Havertz is on the verge of a first-team return. The German international could be in the squad for the Gunners' FA Cup third-round tie against Portsmouth this Sunday.
Havertz Steps Up Recovery for FA Cup Comeback
Speaking ahead of the trip to Fratton Park, the Arsenal manager expressed optimism about the 26-year-old's availability. Havertz has managed just one appearance this season after suffering a serious knee injury at the start of the campaign. However, his recent training progress has put him in contention for a place against the Championship side.
"If everything goes well, I think he's going to be in the squad again in the next few days," Arteta stated. He added, "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."
The manager did caution that expectations should be managed given the player's lengthy layoff, but emphasised the high standards required. "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," Arteta said.
Defensive Blow as Calafiori Ruled Out
While the news on Havertz is positive, Arteta confirmed a setback in defence. Italian centre-back Riccardo Calafiori will miss the Portsmouth clash as he continues his recovery from an issue that has already seen him miss Arsenal's last four Premier League fixtures.
When asked if Calafiori could feature, Arteta replied definitively: "I don't think so. I think that game is going to be too early for him." This absence will force further adjustments to a backline that Arteta is expected to rotate due to a demanding schedule.
Fixture Congestion Forces Squad Management
With a crucial run of games on the horizon, Arteta admitted he will have to utilise his full squad. Following the FA Cup match, Arsenal face Chelsea in a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg midweek, before a huge Premier League encounter with leaders Liverpool next weekend.
"We have to manage [it], obviously, because of what is coming again in the next few weeks," Arteta explained. "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."
This approach suggests the starting line-up at Fratton Park could see several changes, offering opportunities for squad players and returning stars like Havertz to build match fitness ahead of the critical fixtures to come.
