Kai Havertz makes his first start in almost a year as Arsenal host Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium in the UEFA Champions League league-phase encounter.
The German international last featured from the opening whistle in February 2025, starting against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup. Since then, Havertz has been eased back into action, making substitute appearances this season against Manchester United, Chelsea, and Portsmouth. Tonight’s start marks a significant milestone in his return to full fitness.
Mikel Arteta has made sweeping changes to his side, with 11 alterations from the previous lineup. Ben White captains the team for the evening, taking the armband as Arsenal rotate heavily while still fielding a strong and balanced XI.
In goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga makes his first Champions League start for the club. The defensive unit sees White joined by Cristhian Mosquera, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian defender returns to action after missing recent matches due to an injury picked up during the warm-up ahead of last month’s Brighton fixture.
The midfield trio consists of Christian Norgaard, Kai Havertz, and Eberechi Eze, offering a mix of control, creativity, and attacking threat. Havertz operates in an advanced role as he looks to build rhythm and confidence on the European stage.
Arsenal’s attacking line features Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Gabriel Martinelli. Martinelli comes into the match in strong Champions League form, having scored five goals in his six appearances in the competition so far.
Arteta has also named a youthful bench, with four academy graduates included among the substitutes. Midfielder Ife Ibrahim, winger Brando Bailey-Joseph, goalkeeper Jack Porter, and defender Marli Salmon all feature, highlighting the club’s continued emphasis on youth development.
They are joined on the bench by experienced first-team players including Tommy Setford, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus — giving Arteta plenty of options as the game unfolds.
Kairat Almaty arrive in north London having made two changes from their recent defeat to Club Brugge. Midfielder Adilet Sadybekov replaces Damir Kasabulat, while Alexandr Shirobokov comes into the back three. Attacker Valery Gromyko drops to the bench as the visitors opt for a more defensive setup.
Kairat line up with Anerbekov in goal behind a three-man defense of Shirobokov, Martynovich, and Sorokin. Tapalov and Mata operate as wing-backs, with Glazer and Sadybekov anchoring midfield. Up front, Mrynskiy, Edmilson, and Monteiro lead the attack.
With rotation across the pitch but quality still evident throughout the squad, Arsenal will be looking to secure a positive result and maintain momentum in the Champions League — while all eyes remain firmly fixed on Kai Havertz’s long-awaited return to the starting lineup.
