Mikel Arteta has described Kai Havertz as a genetic "powerhouse" and backed the Germany international to compensate for Arsenal's failure to sign a forward in January.

“Kai has played a lot of football but his robustness and his availability is unbelievable,” Arteta said. “Genetically, he is a powerhouse. He is so well built. He is a player that anything you ask him, he is happy to do: to run, to be very robust, to make long distances. His body absorbs everything.”

Havertz will spearhead Arsenal's attack as they bid to overturn a two-goal deficit against Newcastle in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday evening. "The next stop is a final in Wembley so we know how big that is and you can feel it," added Arteta. "The momentum is with us so now is the the moment to go full gas.