Mikel Merino is delighted with the return of team-mate Kai Havertz after a long-term injury as Arsenal - leaders of the English Premier League - chase a four-trophy season.
The Gunners' attacker, Havertz, made his first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in the opening week of the season.
He came on as a substitute in the 69th minute of a 4-1 victory in the third round of the FA Cup against Portsmouth on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The 26-year-old German has only appeared in 12 competitive matches in 2025, having also missed three months last season due to a hamstring operation.
"Coming back after a very serious injury, his presence is very good for everyone, for the atmosphere at the training ground."
"The support he gives us in training, his presence in every training session, and now his presence on the pitch is an additional asset, an additional tool for the coach."
"It's incredible, we're all very happy for him," Merino said of Havertz.
Arsenal came from behind at Fratton Park to reach the FA Cup fourth round for the first time in three seasons thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's hat-trick and an own goal from Andre Dozzell.
Mikel Arteta's Gunners, who are six points clear at the top of the Premier League table and hold a 100 per cent record in the Champions League, will travel to Chelsea on Thursday, January 15, 2026, for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Merino insists there is a burning desire among the squad to end the club's six-year wait for a trophy.
"Every game is important, for us it doesn't matter if it's the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, a friendly."
"It's not just about the competition we're in, we're playing for the club's emblem, we're playing for our team, our reputation."
"Every game we play with this uniform, we have to give our best, we have to win, and we have to perform well."
"The most important thing is to show that we are Arsenal, that we are ready to compete at all times, and the rest will take care of itself."
"Winning every game is the ultimate goal. The hunger for victory is there and has been there for a long time. That hunger will remain until the end of the season," he said.
Merino was part of 10 changes in the game against Portsmouth, where Arsenal continued their strong record in set-pieces by scoring from three corners.
"You can see the depth of the squad. When you make so many changes, sometimes it can be difficult because you are not used to playing together and that connection is very, very important."
"You see a team full of quality, a team full of attitude and hard work. That's a good thing. Everyone will be important at the end of the season."
"We have to always be ready because the matches come in a row and you never know when your turn will come," said the 29-year-old all-rounder.
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