Arsenal have received a boost ahead of their Champions League clash against Kairat Almaty tomorrow, as Kai Havertz was spotted participating in training with the first team. The German attacker has had limited involvement since returning from a long-term injury and appeared to have suffered a minor setback during his recovery period.
The club are taking a careful approach to reintegrating Havertz into the squad, aiming to manage his workload and prevent any recurrence of injury. He spent the majority of 2025 undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, and both player and club are keen to avoid a repeat scenario. Havertz is eager to contribute to Arsenal’s success this season, and his return to training represents a significant step towards achieving that goal.
Potential involvement in Champions League
According to Hayters, Havertz was seen training fully alongside his teammates, signalling that he could be available for selection in Arsenal’s final league phase match. While the Gunners have already secured qualification for the round of 16, this game presents an opportunity to rotate the squad and provide minutes to players returning from injury or those who have had limited game time.
Mikel Arteta may therefore consider starting Havertz, alongside other fringe players, to give them valuable experience and ensure match fitness ahead of the knockout stages. The careful management of his minutes is likely to continue, with an emphasis on gradually rebuilding his confidence and sharpness on the field.
Strategic approach to squad management
Arsenal’s measured approach reflects their awareness of the risks associated with rushing a player back from injury. By limiting his workload while reintegrating him into competitive fixtures, the club aim to maximise his long-term impact while reducing the possibility of setbacks.
Havertz’s return is expected to bolster Arsenal’s attacking options as the season progresses, providing Arteta with additional flexibility in both domestic and European competitions.
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I see in Arteta’s press conference he says that Timber and Saliba are out with niggles. But hopes they’ll be available against Leeds.
And with Rice and Merino serving suspensions, I for one am happy to see the squad rotated, although it would be nice to make it 8 wins and I hope they do. The Leeds game is clearly the bigger game here, especially after the United result.
Looking at both the tables (Champions League & EPL) we should find some reassurance that Leeds and Kairat are where they are positioned, nearer the lower places of these leagues for a reason. It was a poor result against MUFC but it would be a huge surprise were we to struggle to win these next 2 ties.
If I could offer the Arsenal fc squad any insight into playing teams from the northwest or from the north-east of england id add emphasis not to be ‘arrogant’, ‘reckless’ or ‘careless’ but play patiently, probe and execute a killers instinct. It will become [evident] why both opponents are in their current positions while WE are in ours.
After our last sh**show, or wakeup call, i trust we will restore the momentum and determine that helped us ascend both these prestigious leagues.
I would rest every first team starter from Wednesday night’s game, as our game at Leeds this weekend is more important, especially as we are guaranteed a top 2 finish in the CL.
Exactly HD
HD
Consider the monies these lot are on … and the poor performance ‘most’ of them put in id think they [all] should be chomping at the bit to play, win and attempt to make amends for the fans.
I’m still experiencing PTSD from last Sunday’s non-performance. Young men, Pro’s, athletes don’t need so much rest with all their available incentives.
w2w, it doesn’t matter how much they earn, they still need rest, both physically and mentally. Remember when the players went to Dubai a couple of times during a mid winter break, and how our results picked up when they came back. Well a weeks rest here for all the 1st team starters might just be what they need.
Take it from me, money is nothing compared to a persons health.
HD Thanks for response
Consensus from pretty much everywhere is that we have a formidable ‘squad’ consisting of able and ready stand-ins should any player be ill. We don’t have any excuse not to have ready available players. Are we the only team routinely working in the EPL …no. Most of the ‘finishers’ cannot be in need of “rest, both physically and mentally.” Rather should use the opportunity to establish the right to consolidate their position.
I’m not buying that OUR team needs rest stuff they’re professional athletes and will have that aspect as well as nutrition science already built into their sched/routines already. They need to be driven, stand up when called to do so and be seen to perform. They’re pros not amateurs.
Due to the injury situation and due to the lack of goals from the attacking players, Arsenal should strengthen themselves with a strong attacking player. Our closest competitors for the title have in this window strengthened their attack with really good players without breaking the bank. Manchester City have bought Antoine Semenyo (£62.5m) and Aston Villa have bought Tammy Abraham (£18m). Arsenal have not made any purchases or loans. Exciting.
Kai The Saviour🛡️