Kai Havertz, the Arsenal forward, has candidly revealed that the injuries he has endured over the past two seasons represent the most difficult challenge of his professional career. The 26-year-old German international required surgery for a serious hamstring injury last term, followed by a knee operation earlier this season, marking a turbulent period in his football journey.
Havertz Reflects on Painful Recovery Process
Now fully fit and preparing to face his former club Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16, with the first leg scheduled for Wednesday night in Germany, Havertz opened up about the mental and physical toll of his setbacks. "It was stop and start, but sometimes football is like this. I haven't really faced a challenge like this before in my career," Havertz stated. He elaborated on the unexpected nature of the pain, saying, "For me it was just tough because I never felt that pain before in my life and it just came randomly."
Support System and Professional Resilience
Havertz credited his family and support network for helping him navigate this challenging phase. "But I tried to go through these things and obviously I got my support from at home as well and my family. You know, that helped me a lot during that time," he explained. Emphasising his professional outlook, he added, "Having two surgeries one after another is not easy. But I think I'm professional enough to know that's also part of football sometimes."
The forward, who came through Leverkusen's academy and scored 46 goals in 150 appearances before moving to Chelsea in 2020, remains optimistic about his future. "And I know that there are so many players out there that went through stages of their career also. I'm still young, so I have a lot of years hopefully in front of me," Havertz remarked.
Arteta Backs Havertz to Emerge Stronger
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who confirmed that captain Martin Odegaard will miss the first leg against Leverkusen, acknowledged the tough 18 months Havertz has faced. "It's been something new for him," Arteta said. "When you look at his injury records, it's just blank. Then last year he had his hamstring injury that required the surgery, and then the knee injury. So it's been a tough period."
Arteta expressed confidence in Havertz's ability to overcome these obstacles, highlighting his character. "But when you talk about a 15 or 20-year career, you're going to have to go unfortunately, most likely, through these moments. And if there is a person that has the right combination of humbleness, patience and love for the game, and a competitive edge, that's certainly Kai," the manager affirmed.
Havertz Eyes Return to Form and Team Success
With his injury woes behind him, Havertz is determined to contribute to Arsenal's pursuit of success on multiple fronts. "I'm confident. I'm feeling good, I'm feeling better," he declared. "Obviously things can always happen, but I'm feeling 100 per cent ready to play games. I'm feeling fit and I can't wait to help the team in the next couple of months."
Leverkusen Coach Acknowledges Arsenal's Favouritism
Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand recognised the formidable challenge his team faces against Arsenal, who are considered strong favourites. "Arsenal are obviously the big favourites, and maybe the best team in Europe right now," Hjulmand admitted. However, he remained hopeful, noting, "But we've played very well against big teams before. It's football. Anything is possible. We're in the last 16 and we have to enjoy this situation and these big games."
Leverkusen, currently sixth in the Bundesliga and a shadow of their invincible double-winning team from two seasons ago, will rely on their past performances against top sides to inspire an upset in this high-stakes European encounter.
