Arsenal will welcome back Kai Havertz next month after Germany were eliminated from the World Cup
Kai Havertz scored in Germany’s clash with Paraguay but crucially missed a penalty in the shootout alongside Jonathan Tah and Nick Woltemade which saw them exit the World Cup at the last-32 stage. A bitter disappointment, Havertz’s second in the same month of the UEFA Champions League final defeat with Arsenal.
Havertz scored three times during the competition as Julian Nagelsmann’s key centre-forward option. However, defeats to both Ecuador and now Paraguay have painted the young coach’s credentials quite poorly.
Speaking after the defeat, it was evident the weight on Havertz’s shoulders and the crushing disappointment of the result.
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“I’m speechless,” Havertz said post-match. “My second World Cup, and we’ve messed up for the second time.
“The last few tournaments were a disaster. The only thing I can say is I’m sorry. We, players, need to take a long, hard look at ourselves. We’re playing for a huge country with a rich football history.”
Havertz’s exit, however, will be welcomed by Arsenal, who now know a clearer picture of his return to the club and need not worry about the potential for injury. Havertz missed the majority of last season due to fitness-related issues and a serious knee problem, and the hope is that a proper pre-season will help unlock even more from him to aid in defending the Premier League title.
Premier League rules stipulate that players must be granted at least three weeks’ holiday between seasons, and Havertz will begin his break upon his return from World Cup duties. Those Arsenal players not at the summer tournament are expected back in mid-July football.london understands, with Havertz not going to be too far behind them, likely in the last week of the month.
He could therefore join the squad for their pre-season trip to Spain. The Gunners are due to face Girona on August 1.
