Overview
- Kai Havertz said he feels 100% ready to play after an interrupted season and a first start in a month at Mansfield.
- He underwent hamstring surgery after a Dubai training incident last year and a knee operation in August, missing 26 matches between August and December.
- The 26-year-old described the lay-offs as the most painful period of his career but credited family and club support for lifting his spirits.
- Mikel Arteta acknowledged the unusual run of injuries for a player with a previously clean record and backed Havertz to emerge stronger.
- Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand labeled Arsenal the favourites for Wednesday’s Champions League last‑16 first leg, while Arteta confirmed Martin Odegaard will miss the game.