Arsenal overcame an early scare against Championship strugglers Portsmouth to cruise into the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a Gabriel Martinelli hat-trick.
Colby Bishop turned home a rebound from close range after just three minutes to have Pompey fans dreaming of following in the footsteps of Macclesfield and Wrexham this weekend by pulling off a historic upset.
But the much-changed Gunners turned it on from there, as an Andre Dozzell own goal from a corner, under pressure from Christian Norgaard, quickly levelled the scores before Martinelli scored two headers from corners himself, and finished off a piece of quick-thinking from a free-kick, for a first treble of his senior career.
Mikel Arteta’s side are six points clear at the top of the Premier League, into the Carabao Cup semi-finals, top of the Champions League table and now on course in the FA Cup to keep alive the fight on four fronts. They also received a boost with Kai Havertz coming off the bench to make his first appearance since the opening weekend of the season due to injury.
Relive all the action from the FA Cup third round tie between Portsmouth and Arsenal below.
Portsmouth vs Arsenal - live FA Cup updates
- Arsenal come from a goal down to beat Portsmouth 4-1 in the third round of the FA Cup as Gabriel Martinelli scores a hat-trick
- WATCH: Moment Colby Bishop gives Portsmouth shock lead over Arsenal
- 72' - GOAL! Martinelli completes his hat-trick with a second headed goal from a corner (POR 1-4 ARS)
- 51' - GOAL! Martinelli finishes from close range after quick thinking from free-kick (POR 1-3 ARS)
- 43' - MISSED PENALTY! Madueke puts the spot-kick wide having won it himself (POR 1-2 ARS)
- 25' - GOAL! A second Arsenal goal from a corner as Martinelli flicks home at the near post (POR 1-2 ARS)
- 8' - GOAL! Arsenal level as Norgaard tries to bundle in at the back post and Dozzell gets final touch (POR 1-1 ARS)
- 3' - GOAL! Bishop turns home rebound to give Pompey shock lead (POR 1-0 ARS)
Gabriel Martinelli banishes bad headlines and earns redemption in easy Arsenal FA Cup win
Sunday 11 January 2026 17:04 , Luke BakerGabriel Martinelli hit the headlines for the right reasons by scoring a hat-trick as Arsenal overcame an early scare to thrash Championship strugglers Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup third round.
Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders fell behind less than three minutes into a rain-soaked contest at Fratton Park when Pompey captain Colby Bishop finished from close range.
Andre Dozzell’s own goal quickly levelled the tie before Brazil forward Martinelli struck either side of Noni Madueke’s penalty miss to put the Gunners in control and completed his treble in the 72nd minute.
Martinelli was widely criticised for attempting to push the injured Conor Bradley off the pitch during Thursday evening’s goalless draw against Liverpool, with Bradley now ruled out for the season with a knee injury, although the Arsenal star has since apologised for his actions.
Martinelli banishes bad headlines and earns redemption in easy Arsenal FA Cup win
Mikel Arteta reflects on comfortable FA Cup win
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:48 , Luke BakerMikel Arteta has been talking to TNT Sports after that victory and he was understandably a satisfied man.
He highlighted the return of Kai Havertz, the debut of 16-year-old Marli Salmon and Gabriel Martinelli’s “unusual” hat-trick as particular highlights.
WATCH: Highlights as Arsenal beat Portsmouth
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:30 , Luke BakerHere’s the best of the action from today’s clash
When is FA Cup fourth round draw?
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:16 , Luke BakerThe fourth round draw will take place on Monday 12 January, ahead of Liverpool’s tie against Barnsley at 7:45pm GMT.
The draw will take place in the broadcast before kick-off, which starts at 6:30pm, with the draw set to start at around 6:35pm GMT.
You can watch the FA Cup fourth-round draw live on TNT Sports 1, discovery+ and the TNT Sports YouTube channel.
The fourth round of the FA Cup will be played around the weekend of Saturday 14 February, with games likely to run from Friday to Monday, depending on TV picks.
Arsenal beat Portsmouth
Sunday 11 January 2026 16:09 , Luke BakerJob done for Arsenal this afternoon. Safely into round four
FULL-TIME! Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:53 , Luke BakerA comfortable win for Arsenal in the end. Colby Bishop’s early goal stunned them slightly but they quickly got back level and then Gabriel Martinelli’s hat-trick – including two headers from corners – did the damage.
Championship strugglers Portsmouth were brave and held their own but it’s Mikel Arteta’s side into the fourth round as they keep rolling along
Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal, 90 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:51 , Luke BakerNow Colby Bishop is moving gingerly. Has he tweaked a hamstring as well? Pompey really can’t afford any more injuries. Bishop is soldiering on to stop the hosts going down to nine men.
Three minutes of added time.
Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal, 86 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:46 , Luke BakerDevlin with a brace block to concede a corner. Eze puts it into the near post and it’s scrambled behind for another corner. This time Bishop heads clear and Pompey breathe again
Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal, 83 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:45 , Luke BakerEze’s snap-shot forces Bursik into a decent save and Portsmouth then defend the corner well despite the build-up.
But then grim news for Pompey. Umeh pulls up while running and his hamstring appears to have gone. This was his first real senior action, having battled injuries before, and now he’ll hobble off. Portsmouth have used all their subs so will end the match with 10 men
WATCH: Martinelli completes his hat-trick
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:40 , Luke BakerHere’s how Gabriel Martinelli got his first senior hat-trick
SAVE! Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal, 78 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:39 , Luke BakerDevlin stings the palms of Kepa as he takes aim from long range, the ball is curling away from the Arsenal keeper and he does well to spring across and tip it wide. Good hit, good save.
The Gunners defend the corner well although the ball comes back to Swift on the edge of the area but he pulls his shot wide.
Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal, 75 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:36 , Luke BakerMartinelli not exactly known as an aerial threat but he’s got two headed goals today.
Another Arsenal corner and there’s cheers of anticipation round Fratton Park. It’s another good ball, towards Gabriel, but just about scrambled away.
Gabriel is then subbed off and 16-year-old Marli Salmon comes on in defence for the Gunners. Huge day for him and his family. Jordan Williams and John Swift also on for Pompey.
GOAL! Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal (Gabriel Martinelli, 72 mins)
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:34 , Luke BakerDangerous indeed! A third Arsenal goal from a corner and Gabriel Martinelli has a hat-trick! His first at senior level.
It’s another sublime ball in by Madueke, Martinelli attacks the near post, leaps high and back heads the ball into the net. Could Bursik do better between the sticks?
Either way, three corner kicks have undone Pompey today!
Portsmouth 1-3 Arsenal, 71 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:31 , Luke BakerThis has been valiant stuff from Portsmouth but Arsenal’s greater quality has told.
Poole with a good lunging block to deflect Madueke’s shot behind for a corner. This is dangerous...
Portsmouth 1-3 Arsenal, 68 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:29 , Luke BakerWhite can’t escape the referee’s book for long as he trips Segecic and duly gets a yellow card.
He’s then immediately subbed as part of a triple change, alongside Nwaneri and Jesus with Jurrien Timber, Marint Odegaard and, most importantly, Kai Havertz coming on.
This will be Havertz’s first game action since the opening weekend of the season and what a boost for Arsenal to have him back. He’s got 20 minutes to get through unscathed here
Portsmouth 1-3 Arsenal, 66 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:27 , Luke BakerYou have to respect that form Ben White. Gets nutmegged so just pushes the Pompey player to the floor. Gives away the free-kick but no booking, which doesn’t impress the home fans.
White was haven’t any truck with getting ‘megged there.
Portsmouth 1-3 Arsenal, 63 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:23 , Luke BakerDouble Pompey change as 34-year-old Marlon Pack and Connor Ogilvie are on for Le Roux and the returning Shaughnessey.
WATCH: Arsenal's quick thinking leads to third goal
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:21 , Luke BakerHere’s how Arsenal scored their third goal. brilliant quick-thinking from the free-kick and two great passes put it on a plate for Martinelli.
Portsmouth 1-3 Arsenal, 60 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:21 , Luke BakerAnother Arsenal corner. They’ve already scored twice from these today...
This time there’s no goal and a sarcastic cheer rings round Fratton Park. Martinelli again gets in front of his man at the near post but can’t direct his header on target.
Portsmouth 1-3 Arsenal, 56 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:18 , Luke BakerArsenal piling on the pressure now. The ball pings about in the box and Portsmouth throw bodies to block it. Madueke can’t quite get a clean shot away and the hosts survive
Portsmouth 1-3 Arsenal, 53 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:14 , Luke BakerPortsmouth immediately back on the attack after that goal and win a corner. Bishop gets his head on the ball but it takes a deflection for another corner.
Kepa punches clear as the ball is floated under the bar and Madueke breaks down the left before being bundled over.
GOAL! Portsmouth 1-3 Arsenal (Gabriel Martinelli, 51 mins)
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:12 , Luke BakerA second goal for Gabriel Martinelli but it all comes from a quick free-kick.
Madueke is brought down in the middle of the park and while Pompey are drifting back, Lewis-Skelly quickly takes the free-kick, and slides a pinpoint pass to Jesus on the left edge of the area. He then whips a sublime ball into the corridor of uncertainty, splitting the goalkeeper and defender, and Martinelli can turn in at the back post from six yard out.
Superb!
Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal, 49 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:10 , Luke BakerGood start from Portsmouth as they break down the left and win a corner as White slides in to block.
The corner goes to the back post and sits up for Chaplin to strike it on the half-volley. He lashes it goalwards but it’s brilliant by White again to lunge across and make the block. That might have been flying in
KICK-OFF! Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal
Sunday 11 January 2026 15:07 , Luke BakerBack underway in the second half. Can Arsenal kill this game off?
WATCH: First-half highlights
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:55 , Luke BakerHere’s some of the best action from that first half
HALF-TIME! Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:50 , Luke BakerWell. There was plenty going on in that first half.
The sum of it is that Arsenal lead 2-1 and are in position to go through. But Portsmouth took an early lead through Colby Bishop before the Gunners hit back with an Andre Dozzell own goal and Gabriel Martinelli header - both from corners.
Martinelli then hit the post when he should’ve scored before Noni Madueke missed a penalty he won himself - putting the ball wide.
Surely Arsenal will blow Pompey away after the break? But phew! An action-packed 45 minutes
Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal, 45 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:47 , Luke BakerA let-off for Portsmouth. can they get into half-time just a goal behind?
Umeh, who came on for the injured Blair, has a run forward and Lewis-Skelly gets his body across the front and fouls him. Clumsy. And the Arsenal left-back gets a yellow card for his troubles.
Into three minutes of injury-time.
MISSED PENALTY! Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal (Noni Madueke, 43 mins)
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:46 , Luke BakerWho will step up to take it? It’s Noni Madueke. Great chance for the young winger.
WOW! He’s missed it, stuttered run-up to wait for the keeper to move, then tries to put it calmly into the opposite corner but it’s wide! That was pretty poor from the England international and Pompey survive!
PENALTY! Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal, 42 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:45 , Luke BakerThis could be curtains for Portsmouth. Madueke bursts into the box and it’s a clumsy challenge from Swanson from behind.
All over the back of him, legs get tangled as well and he hauls him down. Referee points to the spot - correct decision I think.
POST! Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal, 41 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:43 , Luke BakerShould be 3-1. Whie strides forward down the right, fizzes a ball across, a slight touch off Madueke to leave Bursik stranded but Martinelli can’t turn into an empty net at he back post.
He’s stretching, gets a touch but it rebounds off the post. How has that not gone in?
Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal, 40 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:41 , Luke BakerBad news for Harvey Blair. He gingerly trudges off and will have to be replaced, with Franco Umeh coming on in his stead down the left.
The 20-year-old ex-Crystal Palace trainee has only played a few minutes for Pompey so this is his first proper introduction to senior football
Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal, 38 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:39 , Luke BakerArsenal slice through Portsmouth on the counter, Jesus with a nice backheel for Madueke who can surge into the box on the right side.
Brilliant sliding block by Poole though to stop the low cross going right into the danger area.
Blair down and receiving some treatment for the hosts
Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal, 35 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:38 , Luke BakerTerry Devlin serenaded by the Fratton Park faithful after a slide tackle on Myles Lewis-Skelly that wins Pompey a throw.
“Terry Devlin, he plays where he wants” chants - a nod to his status as a utility player in the Porsmouth squad. He’s at right-back today and doing a solid job.
CLOSE! Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal, 31 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:33 , Luke BakerThat is not far away from a second goal for Gabriel Martinelli. In fact, he should probably do better.
Gets slipped through the middle, a nice touch inside so he’s central and tries to curl the ball into the right corner. But he slips as he makes contact and doesn’t quite get enough curl, so it goes narrowly wide. Bursik was beaten
WATCH: Arsenal score from a corner again
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:31 , Luke BakerTwo corners, two goals from Arsenal - here was the second of those, from Gabriel Martinelli
Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal, 29 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:30 , Luke BakerThat one could be a hammer blow for Pompey. They basically can’t afford to concede a corner...
They’ve actually been pretty decent other than that
GOAL! Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal (Gabriel Martinelli, 25 mins)
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:27 , Luke BakerAnd it costs Pompey again! Another Arsenal goal from a corner.
It’s whipped in to the near post, Gabriel Martinelli nips in front of his man and flicks the header beyond Bursik. He’s not the biggest but still beat the Portsmouth defence in the air. There’s a reason they’ve struggled from set-pieces so much in the Championship this season...
Portsmouth 1-1 Arsenal, 24 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:26 , Luke BakerPortsmouth are holding their own here, showing flashes going forward - Chaplin the latest to have a shot blocked.
Their full-backs Swanson and Devlin are being tested though. Madueke wins another Arsenal corner. A set-piece cost Pompey last time...
WATCH: Pompey take shock lead over Arsenal
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:22 , Luke BakerHere’s that Colby Bishop goal that gave Portsmouth the lead earlier. What a moment!
Portsmouth 1-1 Arsenal, 19 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:21 , Luke BakerHaving a look at that goal again, it looks like Andre Dozzell got the final touch, so another own goal for Arsenal. They’ve had a few of those this season...
CHANCE! Portsmouth 1-1 Arsenal, 15 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:20 , Luke BakerPompey are not overawed at all here - they’re the ones pressing forward. And that’s a chance!
Blair finds some space and fires in a shot which forces Kepa to get down quickly and save. The Gunners need to steady the ship
Portsmouth 1-1 Arsenal, 12 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:15 , Luke BakerArsenal surge forward again after the goal. Have Pompey awoken the beast?
The Championship side weather the pressure and win a free-kick on the left. Whipped in, goalscorer Bishop gets his head on it and loops the ball towards goal but Kepa can claim
GOAL! Portsmouth 1-1 Arsenal (Christian Norgaard, 8 mins)
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:10 , Luke BakerWell that lead didn’t last long! Eze curls the corner in, it’s flicked on by Martinelli, then Gabriel and Christian Norgaard bundles it in at the back post. Andre Dozzell was trying to defend and may have got the final touch for an own goal but the result is the same.
Scrappy but the Gunners won’t care. Arsenal’s major threat and Pompey’s weakness - set-pieces - proves pivotal.
Portsmouth 1-0 Arsenal, 6 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:07 , Luke BakerHow will arsenal respond to this surprise blow? They come forward and win a first corner.
We know all about their set-piece prowess and Eze will curl one in.
GOAL! Portsmouth 1-0 Arsenal (Colby Bishop, 3 mins)
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:05 , Luke BakerOH MY WORD! Cat meet pigeons! Portsmouth lead!
They win the ball on the left and Blair crosses low to Chaplin whose first-time shot is parried by Kepa.
And Colby Bishop, the Portsmouth captain who has struggled for goals this season, is there to turn in the rebound. Scenes!
Portsmouth 0-0 Arsenal, 2 mins
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:03 , Luke BakerCracking atmosphere at Fratton Park as you’d expect. The Pompey fans are well up for this.
They’ll want to disspell the memories of that 5-0 humiliation against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. They’ve started ok here - nice long ball out to Devlin on the right flank and he brings it down well.
A cross is eventually put into the box, although Kepa claims it
KICK-OFF! Portsmouth 0-0 Arsenal
Sunday 11 January 2026 14:01 , Luke BakerUnderway at Fratton Park. Can Pompey cause an almighty upset?
Arteta keen to use Havertz
Sunday 11 January 2026 13:59 , Luke BakerSomething to look out for this afternoon, Mikel Arteta is keen to use Kai Havertz off the bench if at all possible.
He hasn’t played since the opening weekend of the season but is returning from injury now.
"I hope that we find a way to put him in, in the right context" 🇩🇪
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 11, 2026
Mikel Arteta hopes to give Kai Havertz his first appearance since the opening weekend of the season, with the German named on the bench for the FA Cup tie with Portsmouth.
🎙️ @Becky_Ives_
📺 @tntsports &… pic.twitter.com/72tFwoEnB2
Portsmouth v Arsenal team news
Sunday 11 January 2026 13:56 , Luke BakerA reminder of the team news for today’s clash, which starts in about five minutes’ time.
Rotation aplenty for Arsenal with Christian Norgaard filling in at centre-back and the likes of Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus all starting.
Injury-riddled Portsmouth have 10 players out at the moment so are cobbling together whatever sort of team they can. There are four changes from the 5-0 New Year’s Day thumping against Bristol City including Colby Bishop, who hasn’t scored since August, returning up top.
Portsmouth XI: Bursik; Devlin, Shaughnessy, Poole, Swanson; Dozzell, Le Roux; Segecic, Chaplin, Blair; Bishop
Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Norgaard, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Nwaneri, Eze; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
When is FA Cup fourth round draw?
Sunday 11 January 2026 13:50 , Luke BakerThe fourth round draw will take place on Monday 12 January, ahead of Liverpool’s tie against Barnsley at 7:45pm GMT.
The draw will take place in the broadcast before kick-off, which starts at 6:30pm, with the draw set to start at around 6:35pm GMT.
You can watch the FA Cup fourth-round draw live on TNT Sports 1, discovery+ and the TNT Sports YouTube channel.
The fourth round of the FA Cup will be played around the weekend of Saturday 14 February, with games likely to run from Friday to Monday, depending on TV picks.
Arsenal arrivals
Sunday 11 January 2026 13:41 , Luke BakerThe Arsenal squad were traipsing into Fratton Park a little bit earlier
Mikel Arteta: Arsenal’s ‘purpose’ to win silverware as that’s what I’m judged on
Sunday 11 January 2026 13:32 , Luke BakerMikel Arteta said the “purpose” of Arsenal was to win silverware – and admitted his season would be judged by how many trophies the north London club could win.
Arteta’s side have a six-point Premier League lead and they are the only team in the Champions League to have won all six of their matches so far.
Following today’s test at Fratton Park, Arsenal will then travel to Chelsea for the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Arteta’s sole silverware of his tenure arrived during the Covid-interrupted 2020 season – his first in charge of the Gunners – where Arsenal saw off Portsmouth in the fifth round before beating Chelsea at an empty Wembley.
Mikel Arteta: Arsenal’s ‘purpose’ to win silverware as that’s what I’m judged on
Bukayo Saka gives Arsenal boost after signing new contract
Sunday 11 January 2026 13:23 , Luke BakerBukayo Saka has agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, committing himself to the Emirates Stadium until 2031.
The 24-year-old England international’s deal had been up for renewal at the end of next season, but he has now signed a five-year deal.
Saka, a graduate of the club’s fabled Hale End academy, has scored 77 times across 290 appearances since he made his debut for the Gunners in 2018.
Arsenal team news
Sunday 11 January 2026 13:15 , Luke BakerLots of changes from Mikel Arteta as rotation strikes in the FA Cup.
Kepa comes in between the sticks for David Raya, while Christian Norgaard looks like he’ll be filling in at centre-back alongside Gabriel, while Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly are the full-backs.
Mikel Merino captains the side in a midfield trio with string-pullers Ethan Nwaneri and Eberechi Eze, while Gabriel Jesus is given the nod over Viktor Gyokeres up top, flanked by Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Norgaard, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Nwaneri, Eze; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
Portsmouth v Arsenal team news
Sunday 11 January 2026 13:04 , Luke BakerHere are the teams for this afternoon’s clash. As expected, plenty of changes for Arsenal with the likes of Norgaard, White, Eze
Full analysis imminent
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 11, 2026
🧤 Arrizabalaga between the sticks
©️ Merino captains the side
✨ Eze and Nwaneri pulling the strings
Let's book our spot in the next round, Gunners 👊
🤝 Presented by @deel
Your #Pompey XI to take on Arsenal. 📋 pic.twitter.com/pCCYM2gDZh
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) January 11, 2026
Arsenal seemed to lose the summer signing battle – but could win the war
Sunday 11 January 2026 12:53 , Luke BakerMikel Arteta first turned to Myles Lewis-Skelly. Then he went to a double bill of Gabriels, with both Jesus and Martinelli. Next came Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.
There were five substitutions before Liverpool’s first. Even that was enforced. Injury time proved a sadly accurate term as Conor Bradley was stretchered off and Joe Gomez came on.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool finished 5-1 in one respect: changes. The champions and their probable successors have pursued different policies in their attempts to win the title.
Liverpool were famously the biggest spenders, but Arsenal had the largest net spend. Slot got the flashiest signings. Arteta did not. Indeed, the last pair he brought on, Madueke and Eze, were summer arrivals but do not seem to figure in his first-choice side. He filled out his squad, filled in every gap. It was the Polyfilla approach to winning the title, ensuring there were no cracks left in the group.
Read Richard Jolly’s full analysis:
Arsenal seemed to lose the summer signing battle – but could win the war
Team news imminent
Sunday 11 January 2026 12:42 , Luke BakerTeam news will arrive in a couple of minutes’ time. How much rotation will Arteta have plumped for?
Fratton Park preparing for FA Cup clash
Sunday 11 January 2026 12:35 , Luke BakerIt should be more or less a full house at Fratton Park this afternoon and the ground is being prepared to welcome the Premier League leaders
Arsenal receive Kai Havertz injury boost
Sunday 11 January 2026 12:24 , Luke BakerKai Havertz could make his Arsenal comeback against Portsmouth today as Mikel Arteta hopes to reintegrate the forward into the team
The Germany international has only made one appearance this season and has been out since August with a knee injury but Arteta is optimistic that he can feature in Sunday's FA Cup tie.
“If everything goes well, I think so,” he said. “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.”
Havertz scored 15 goals for Arsenal last season but since then Arteta has more options in attack after the signing of Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus’s recovery from a torn ACL, and he said the former Chelsea player knows he will have to excel on his return.
Arteta added: “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.”
Arsenal receive Kai Havertz injury boost ahead of FA Cup fourth round tie
Early Portsmouth team news
Sunday 11 January 2026 12:13 , Luke BakerPortsmouth won’t have loanee Tottenham winger Yang Min-Hyeok after he was recalled and reassigned to Coventry City, while 10 other first-team players could miss the tie.
Forwards Colby Bishop, Florian Bianchini, Josh Murphy, Callum Lang and Thomas Waddingham are all doubts for Pompey, while midfielders Marlon Pack and Mark Kosznovszky could also miss out.
The defensive trio of Josh Knight, Connor Ogilvie and Hayden Matthews could also be missing this weekend.
Predicted Portsmouth XI: Schmid; Devlin, Shaughnessy, Poole, Swanson; Dozzell, Le Roux; Segecic, Swift, Bowat; Kirk
Early Arsenal team news
Sunday 11 January 2026 12:05 , Luke BakerFor Arsenal, the defensive duo of Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori remain sidelined, so Mikel Arteta may have to get inventive with his defensive options if he wants to rest key players.
Piero Hincapie is also a doubt after being forced off against Liverpool.
Max Dowman is the only other absentee for the Gunners, with Christian Norgaard, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Jesus among those who could start at Fratton Park.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Timber, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Norgaard, Nwaneri; Madueke, Jesus, Eze
How to watch Portsmouth v Arsenal
Sunday 11 January 2026 11:56 , Luke BakerThe match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 11 January at Fratton Park in Portsmouth. Kick-off is set for 2pm GMT.
Viewers in the UK can watch the action live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 1.30pm. Subscribers can also stream the action live on discovery+.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for £30.99 per month.
Everything you need to know about Portsmouth v Arsenal
Sunday 11 January 2026 11:53 , Luke BakerArsenal travel to face Portsmouth in the FA Cup today, with the Premier League leaders taking on the Championship club for a place in the fourth round.
The Gunners sit six points clear in the top flight ahead of a week-long break for cup action, with this FA Cup tie the first of back-to-back cup matches as they prepare to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Pompey aren’t faring too well in the second tier as they welcome Mikel Arteta’s side to Fratton Park, with the former Premier League stalwarts languishing in 21st, though they are no stranger to a giant-killing in this competition, having beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford on their way to winning the FA Cup in 2008.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Is Portsmouth vs Arsenal on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Sunday 11 January 2026 11:52 , Luke BakerWelcome to the Independent’s coverage of Portsmouth v Arsenal. The Premier League-leading Gunners face Championship strugglers Pompey - stick with us for all the action
