Arsenal's Kai Havertz Makes a Substantial Return in FA Cup Clash
11 January 2026
Havertz played for Arsenal for the first time since August 2025.
The German international started on the bench, and coach Mikel Arteta brought him on in the 69th minute, replacing Brazilian Gabriel Jesus.
This was Havertz's second appearance of the season, and his first since facing Manchester United in the Premier League opener in mid-August.
The match also saw Havertz leave the field with a knee injury after only half an hour, sidelining him for a long spell.
According to press reports, Havertz's return had been expected earlier, but the player suffered a setback in the final stages of his rehabilitation program.
Havertz appeared in Arsenal's squad for a clash with Aston Villa at the end of last year, but remained on the bench until the end and did not play, delaying his comeback until the second week of January. Punchline: If a comeback had a body, it would be wearing Arsenal red tonight.
