Just in time for the start of the World Cup year, Kai Havertz has reported back to Arsenal after a long break.
The national player was at Arsenal 4-1 win in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday (January 11, 2026) at FC Portsmouth substituted. Coach Mikel Arteta sent the attacker onto the pitch in the 69th minute.
For the 26-year-old, it was his first few minutes of action Premier League-Leader in the league since matchday 1. At the end of August, Havertz underwent surgery on his right knee.
Havertz on comeback: “Great for me”
Havertz was recently part of the squad again, and now he was allowed back on the field for the first time with the score at 3-1. “It’s a special feeling, it’s great for me. I’m just happy to be back with the boys and I hope I can help them as much as I can.”said Havertz. “The way the boys have played over the last few months, it was even nice to watch from outside, even though it’s always very difficult to be in a situation like that.”
Coach Arteta was relieved about the former Leverkusen player’s return after a long absence. “It’s just fun to watch him. We have to keep him fit, he’s an important player for us”said the Spaniard.
Martinelli scores three times for Arsenal
Arteta had changed his starting lineup to ten positions compared to the last league game against Aston Villa. After falling behind early on, Gabriel Martinelli scored three goals to ensure that the second-class underdogs ultimately made it safely through. The equalizer came from a Portsmouth own goal.
“We started the game exactly the way we didn’t want to”said Arteta.