Kai Havertz Faces Former Club Bayer Leverkusen Amid Injury Comeback

Kai Havertz is set to return to the BayArena on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, as Arsenal takes on Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the Champions League last 16. The match marks Havertz’s first appearance against his former club in six years, coming after a challenging period marked by injury setbacks.

Overcoming a Year of Setbacks

The 26-year-old forward has endured a tough year, battling injuries that required two surgeries – one on his hamstring and another on his knee. Havertz admitted the injuries were the toughest challenge of his career, a stark contrast to his previously unblemished injury record. As he stated, “It has been stop-start, but sometimes football is like this. I haven’t really faced a challenge like this before in my career.”

Despite the difficulties, Havertz is regaining his form, having made a 62-minute appearance in Arsenal’s recent win over Mansfield. He is now targeting his second European appearance of the season.

A Leverkusen Legacy

Havertz joined Chelsea in 2020 after rising through the Bayer Leverkusen academy, where he scored 46 goals in 150 appearances. Leverkusen holds a special place in his career, having joined the club at age 11. The club recognized his potential even when he was a physically undersized 15-year-old, nurturing his development through growing pains. Before his move to Arsenal in 2023, Havertz even consulted with his former academy mentors for guidance on his development in North London.

The forward earned Leverkusen approximately $100 million when he transferred to Chelsea, and the club’s social media post welcoming him back ahead of the match was described as sincere.

Mental Fortitude and Renewed Hunger

The period on the sidelines tested Havertz mentally as much as physically. He has played only 395 minutes in all competitions since February of last year and hasn’t completed a full 90-minute match this season. Still, he credits support from his family and Arsenal teammates with helping him through the difficult time.

“Mentally it was tough, but I got assist from at home, from Arsenal, from the players, so everyone was lifting my spirits,” Havertz said. “During these times, I felt how much I missed being on the pitch… That’s why it was mentally so hard for me.”

Manager Mikel Arteta has praised Havertz’s resilience, stating, “It’s been something new for him… When you look at his injury records, it’s just blank.” Arteta believes Havertz possesses the “right combination of humbleness, patience, love for the game and competitive edge.”

Havertz feels the experience has given him a “new hunger” and he is confident in his fitness, stating, “I’m confident, I’m feeling great, I’m feeling better… I’m feeling 100 per cent ready to play games.”

Versatility and Champions League Experience

Havertz has demonstrated versatility throughout his career, playing multiple positions in attack, and even left-back for the German national team. He acknowledges his adaptability, stating, “I just want to be a threat in the box, want to score goals, want to assist players, and I think that’s as well my biggest strength.”

He brings Champions League-winning experience to Arsenal, having scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 final against Manchester City. He hopes to replicate that success with his new club, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and seizing key moments.