Arsenal’s push for silverware on four fronts gains extra depth as Kai Havertz returns from injury, with Mikel Merino hailing the midfielder’s comeback as a major lift for the squad and coaching staff during
a demanding season across domestic and European competitions.
Havertz suffers a serious knee problem on the opening weekend of the Premier League season and only reappears nearly five months later, coming on as a 69th-minute substitute in Arsenal's 4-1 FA Cup win over Portsmouth, registering two shots and creating one chance on Sunday.
"To come back after a big, big injury, to have him around is so good for everyone, for the atmosphere in the training ground, Merino said of Havertz. The support he gives us in the training ground, having him around every training session, and now having him on the pitch is one more asset, one more tool for the coach. [It's] amazing, we're all buzzing for him. "
The knee issue is the latest in a sequence of fitness setbacks for the Germany international, who manages only 12 appearances across 2025, yet Merino believes the worst is over and views Havertz as a crucial option as Arsenal step into a decisive part of the campaign.
Securing our place in the fourth round Swipe through the photo gallery from our commanding win at Fratton ParkArsenal (@Arsenal) January 12, 2026
The victory over Portsmouth sends Arsenal into the FA Cup fourth round and keeps the club active in every major competition, adding to the Premier League title race, Champions League campaign and an EFL Cup semi-final, which places increased importance on squad depth and rotation.
| Competition | Arsenal status | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | Top of the table | Six points clear at the summit |
| Champions League | Group leaders | Sit top of the standings |
| FA Cup | Fourth round | Reached after 4-1 win at Portsmouth |
| EFL Cup | Semi-final | First leg against Chelsea on Wednesday |
Arsenal approach Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea while carrying a difficult recent record in last-four ties, having been knocked out in their previous four semi-finals across all competitions between 2020-21 and 2024-25, the longest such run in the club’s history.
Those exits arrive in the 2020-21 Europa League, the 2021-22 EFL Cup, the 2024-25 EFL Cup and the 2024-25 Champions League, underlining the importance of converting current league and cup positions into trophies as Arsenal chase only a second major honour under head coach Mikel Arteta.
"Every game matters. For us, it doesn't matter if it's FA Cup, EFL Cup, friendly; it's not only about the competition we're playing for, we're playing for the badge, we're playing for our reputation," he added. "Every game that we wear this shirt, we have to do our best, and we have to win, and we have to put on a good performance. The main thing is to show that we are Arsenal, that we are ready to compete every single time, and the rest will take care of itself. Winning every game is the end goal. The hunger is there and has been there for a long time. It will be there until the end of the season. "
Arsenal mentality across FA Cup and EFL Cup
Merino’s words underline a consistent message inside the Arsenal camp, with every fixture treated as a test of standards rather than simply tournament progress, a stance that becomes crucial as the club handle Premier League pressure, an EFL Cup semi-final, Champions League ambitions and the renewed FA Cup journey.
With Havertz back in action and Arsenal leading the Premier League, topping the Champions League standings and advancing in both domestic cups, Merino frames the current period as a demanding yet welcome challenge, suggesting the squad’s existing hunger and improved options could prove decisive through the rest of the 2025-26 season.
