Merino ´buzzing´ to have Havertz back for Arsenal

Mikel Merino is “buzzing” to have Kai Havertz back from a long-term injury and is excited for Arsenal to have “one more asset” in their bid for trophies.

Havertz sustained a serious knee injury on the opening weekend of the Premier League season but made his return after nearly five months out on Sunday.

He was brought on as a 69th-minute substitute in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup and had two shots, as well as creating one chance.

The knee injury was the latest in a string of setbacks for the German, who only made 12 appearances throughout 2025, but Merino is hopeful he has now put that behind him.

“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.”

Securing our place in the fourth round

Swipe through the photo gallery from our commanding win at Fratton Park

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 12, 2026

Arsenal booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with that victory, and continue to fight on four fronts as they continue to search for just a second trophy under Arteta.

The Gunners are six points clear at the top of the Premier League and also sit top of the Champions League standings, while they play the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Wednesday.

Arsenal have been eliminated from their last four semi-final ties in all competitions, their longest ever run of final four eliminations in their history (2020-21 Europa League, 2021-22 EFL Cup, 2024-25 EFL Cup, 2024-25 Champions League).

However, Merino insists the club are up for the fight with so much on the line.

“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.”