Mikel Arteta explains Kai Havertz’s half-time substitution vs Kairat

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January 29, 2026 20:06 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained the reason behind Kai Havertz‘s half-time substitution against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League.

The German made his first start for the Gunners in almost a year against Kairat yesterday. He made an instant impact with a goal and an assist in the opening half of the contest.

However, he was replaced by Martin Odegaard at the interval. Speaking after the game, Arteta said that the 26-year-old is completely fine and the substitution was pre-planned.

He said: “He’s fine, that’s what we planned, 45 minutes [before being substituted]. We wanted to start him as well so he could do all the processes before that in the best possible way.”

The Gunners returned to winning ways with a 3-2 win over Kairat yesterday. They will be aiming for another victory when they take on Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Arsenal are just four points ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top of the league standings after last weekend’s defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.