Havertz: I want to succeed at this World Cup and lead the team

Arsenal and Germany forward Kai Havertz believes the Gunners' demanding schedule across three competitions will be the perfect platform for his return to the national team and the World Cup later this year.

"I've been through a tough period. It wasn't easy. My first injury happened last February, I was out for three and a half months, then I came back, and then I had a setback with a knee injury. Now I feel fully prepared. I need a few starts to be 100 percent, but I feel ready to play the full 90 minutes. We have many matches to play in three competitions. I missed the first six months of the season and I will give my all for the club so I can go to the World Cup with great confidence. I want to succeed at this World Cup and lead the team," the 26-year-old German stated at a press conference ahead of Germany's friendly match against Switzerland.

In the 2025/26 season, the forward has scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists in 14 appearances. For the German national team, he boasts a total of 20 goals and 17 assists across 55 matches.