Leverkusen, Germany – Kai Havertz is set to return to the BayArena on Wednesday night, not as a Bayer Leverkusen player, but as a key member of Arsenal’s squad for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The match marks a long-awaited homecoming for the 26-year-ancient, nearly six years after his departure from the club during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Havertz’s move to Chelsea in September 2020, reportedly worth up to £90 million ($113.8 million), came after four full seasons with Leverkusen’s first team, where he quickly established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. He became the youngest player to reach 100 Bundesliga appearances, achieving the milestone at 20 years, six months, and four days old. His departure left a significant void, one that Leverkusen’s managing director of sport, Simon Rolfes, later credited the funds from as instrumental in restructuring the squad that ultimately won the 2023-24 Bundesliga title.
The return to Leverkusen holds a special significance for Havertz, who spent ten years within the club’s academy system. He has spoken fondly of his time there, and Rolfes even expressed a desire to draw Arsenal in the Champions League specifically to welcome Havertz back. Now, the German forward aims to contribute to Arsenal’s success, hoping to lift a major trophy – something he wasn’t able to achieve during his time in North London with Chelsea.
Havertz’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges since arriving at Arsenal in 2023. Injuries have limited his playing time, with just 363 minutes played in the 2025-26 season due to knee and hamstring issues. Yet, manager Mikel Arteta has consistently expressed his faith in the player, recognizing his unique qualities and potential impact.
Arteta has highlighted Havertz’s ability to make his teammates better, praising his movement, communication, and the space he creates for others. “His main quality is that he makes you (as a team-mate) better somehow,” Arteta said in February. This versatility has been particularly valuable in recent weeks, with Havertz providing a crucial spark off the bench in Premier League matches against Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion, helping Arsenal secure vital wins.
A Versatile Attacker Rediscovering His Form
Havertz’s adaptability is a key asset. He has demonstrated a willingness to play in various positions, even recalling his time playing left-back for the national team. “But I also played left-back for the national team, so I think there’s not a lot of positions left anymore which I haven’t played,” Havertz stated. This flexibility allows Arteta to utilize him as a lone striker or as a supporting forward, providing tactical options and disrupting opposing defenses. He described his approach to attacking play, stating, “I just want to be a threat in the box, want to score goals, want to assist players, and I think that’s also my biggest strength, to be present in the box.”
Injury Recovery and Arteta’s Trust
After a period hampered by injuries, Havertz appears to be regaining full fitness. Arteta has noted the importance of three weeks of consistent training and preparation, believing it will unlock Havertz’s full potential. The manager’s confidence in the player is evident, particularly given the importance of the upcoming matches, with Arsenal still competing on multiple fronts – the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Arsenal have 12 Premier League games remaining, with the potential for up to 19 matches if they progress deep into both the FA Cup and Champions League. Managing Havertz’s workload effectively will be crucial, especially considering the recent injury concerns. Arteta will be keen to avoid any setbacks that could derail his plans.
Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Moment for Havertz and Arsenal
Havertz’s return to Leverkusen presents a unique opportunity for both the player and the club. A strong performance against his former team could solidify his place in Arteta’s starting lineup and provide a significant boost to Arsenal’s Champions League aspirations. The tie offers a chance for Havertz to demonstrate his growth and repay the faith shown in him by his manager.
As Havertz prepares to face his former teammates, he carries the weight of expectation and the opportunity to create a memorable moment in his career. The match promises to be an emotional occasion, and a successful outcome could be a catalyst for further success with Arsenal this season.
What comes next for Havertz and Arsenal will depend heavily on their performance in this Champions League tie and their ability to maintain consistency in the remaining domestic competitions. Share your thoughts on Havertz’s return to Leverkusen and Arsenal’s chances in the Champions League in the comments below.
