Mikel Arteta makes huge FA Cup admission and provides Kai Havertz Arsenal minutes hint

Mikel Arteta admits that Arsenal forward Kai Havertz could make his return against Portsmouth

Mikel Arteta dismissed suggestions that he has not received enough credit for his FA Cup victory in 2020.

The Arsenal boss, speaking ahead of the third round clash against Portsmouth on Sunday, was adamant that he will be assessed on what he does in the present and not concerned about what has gone before.

“At the end, I think we have to get judged, and we get judged for what we do today - and last week is not important.

“We will get judged for what we are able to do at the end of the season. One thing is the trophies for our football club, and many other things that you have to do in a football club, especially in the situation we are in.

“I don’t expect that, I’m really happy where I am with the people that I work with, and hopefully, at least they know that we will give our very best to try to win as much as possible.”

The positive ahead of the game is the Spaniard hopes to be able to expose Kai Havertz to some minutes for the first time this season since the opening day.

“If everything goes well, I think so,” Arteta said on the chances of the German international making his long-awaited return against Pompey.

“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 it will be great if we can have him.”

Viktor Gyokeres has struggled and is currently on a ten-game goal drought from open play, with his penalty at Everton the only contribution since scoring at Burnley on November 1.

Expectations are therefore high for Havertz's return, and Arteta is not looking to temper that energy and is backing the forward for an immediate impact.

“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.”