Mikel Arteta hailed the “really positive” return of Kai Havertz after the German marked his comeback with a goal and an assist in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Kairat, and hinted the forward is firmly in contention to start against Leeds United on Saturday.
Havertz, making his first start after 357 days out with injury, needed just 45 minutes to underline his importance to Arteta’s side as Arsenal completed a perfect Champions League group campaign with an eighth straight victory.
“Great to have Kai back,” Arteta said. “That’s a very positive thing. Not only bringing him in, but the quality that he showed, the way he connected with the team, the goal that he scored, the assist that he made in the first half, a really positive performance.”
Arsenal raced into control despite wholesale changes, though Arteta admitted there was frustration alongside pride after conceding twice.
“I’m very proud of all the players and the run that we had in this first stage of the competition,” he said.
“It’s very difficult to win eight games in a row in the Champions League. The attitude was spot-on from everybody. We’re disappointed with the two goals that we conceded and with the level of efficiency, because we should have scored many more.”
Havertz’s sharp movement and composure in front of goal offered a reminder of what Arsenal have missed during his absence. Arteta stressed the 25-year-old’s versatility remains a major asset as competition for places intensifies with Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres also available.
“He can play in both,” Arteta said. “Right, left, attacking midfielder or nine, it doesn’t change too much for him. The good thing is that he’s fit, he’s available and he’s going to give us so much.”
The plan had always been for Havertz to play 45 minutes, with Arteta keen to manage his return carefully. But the Arsenal manager suggested the player himself was eager for more and is already eyeing a Premier League start at Elland Road.
“That’s what we planned,” Arteta explained. “From now on we’ll have to make a decision whether he starts or not. For sure he wanted to continue playing today, so I know what is coming tomorrow.”
Pressed on whether Havertz would be “knocking on the door” ahead of Saturday, Arteta smiled and did little to dampen expectations, admitting the forward’s hunger is clear.
Beyond the immediate selection dilemma, Arteta believes Havertz’s return could be crucial in the months ahead.
“Every player has unique qualities,” he said. “Kai gives us so much versatility and threat from different positions. He understands the league, what we want to do, he copes really well with pressure, and he’s going to be really important in this second part of the season.”
Arteta also reflected on Arsenal’s place in history as the first team to win eight Champions League group games in a row, but insisted records count for little without silverware.
“That shows that we can consistently perform at this level,” he said.
“But this competition, one action and one moment can change the whole story.”
For Havertz, though, the night was about reassurance as much as records.
“It’s going to give him a lot of confidence, joy and energy,” Arteta said. “After such a long time, to do that today is very impressive. Now we have to use him in the right way – because he’s going to be very important.”
