Kai Havertz is nearing his return to action, but frustratingly, his recovery timeline fell just short of the November international break.
It’s understood that Havertz could return after the international break, just in time for the North London Derby.
Though the Arsenal star will be delighted that the end is in sight after requiring knee surgery, there will be things that the striker will be desperate to address.
Firstly, at Arsenal, Havertz will be competing with Viktor Gyokeres for the starting number nine role, and it’s now becoming apparent that his fight will extend to international level.
Kai Havertz will be wary of Nick Woltemade’s performances for Germany
To some, it’s already thought that Gyokeres is better than Havertz as Arsenal’s striker and in Germany, the 26-year-old faces a similar level of competition with Nick Woltemade.
Ironically, Woltemade is a huge fan of Havertz; however, the Arsenal star might’ve just watched himself get leapfrogged by the Newcastle United goalscorer.
After Germany’s win over Luxembourg, Woltemade spoke about his confidence when leading the line, following on from his two-goal masterclass.
“I’ve developed great confidence in my abilities and a really good feeling that I know: no matter how the game goes, I can still score a goal,” Woltemade said, as transcribed by Sky Sports.
Havertz’s attention would’ve been caught during the match and even more so post-action, as his competitor was asked whether he is feeling the pressure.
When Woltemade was questioned about whether he feels any nerves about competing against Havertz and other German strikers, the Newcastle ace simply said, “No, honestly, not really.”
Not only is the Magpies’ summer signing confident and composed, most concerningly for Havertz, he’s performing, and doesn’t Julian Nagelsmann know it?
“Nick deserves special praise for his work ethic,” Nagelsmann said of Woltemade.
“He covered a tremendous amount of ground, he’s really good and important for us.”
What is a concern for the Arsenal man is that Woltemade has something he doesn’t, as Havertz isn’t a natural goalscorer, making his competitor’s success over the November break rather bittersweet.
Havertz’s versatility is his most useful asset right now
Of course, Havertz will firstly be overjoyed that his country was able to get the win over Luxembourg, but it’s now abundantly clear that when he returns to action, he has a lot of work to do to continue where he left off.
As Mikel Arteta is sold on Gyokeres and Nagelsmann on Woltemade, the ball is in Havertz’s court to make an impact, but it might not necessarily be with the aim to usurp either of his teammates.
| Position | Appearances | Goal contributions |
| Attacking midfield | 183 | 73 |
| Centre-forward | 131 | 67 |
| Right wing | 53 | 27 |
| Central midfield | 18 | 3 |
That’s because of the versatility that the German has, able to play as a striker but, more successfully, as a midfielder.
It might be time for Havertz to revert to his times at Bayer Leverkusen, where he was a force to be reckoned with in attacking midfield, as right now, the striker spots for club and country are occupied.
After months out of action, a new challenge is rearing its head for Havertz to combat, starting with his return to the Emirates.
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