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.

Arsenal ’s failure to sign a new forward in the January transfer window means Havertz is their only fit recognised striker, with Gabriel Jesus out for the rest of season due to a knee injury.

“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.”