football.london assesses the potential changes Mikel Arteta can make to his Arsenal side for Kairat Almaty
07:00, 27 Jan 2026
Kai Havertz could be in line to play for Arsenal in the Champions League
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Kai Havertz could be in line to play for Arsenal in the Champions League(Image: Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Kai Havertz is at the centre of this final Champions League match for Arsenal. This has to be the match where the German international returns to the team and finds his place in the squad again.
There was a degree of surprise that Havertz did not come off the bench against Inter Milan, with Viktor Gyokeres coming on instead. Many have wanted to see Havertz given the opportunity to find fitness and form with the Gunners’ struggles in the final third all too apparent.
There have been further suggestions that the player’s health remains a concern, but they have been pushed back on under any scrutiny, with Arteta saying Havertz is “very close” while wanting to ensure they have him back to his best for the crunch point of the campaign. But to get there, he needs to play.
Elsewhere, Mikel Merino needs to start getting some minutes and deserves a start, as does Christian Norgaard, who has been regularly left out of the squad or not used when it seems some situations would suit the Dane very well. Gabriel Martinelli did not play at all against United, while Noni Madueke is expected to come in again.
Marli Salmon, who made his debut in the Champions League in Brugge and also came on in the FA Cup a couple of weeks ago, could also feature here once again. The game allows for Piero Hincapie to build up some more fitness, while Riccardo Calafiori might be able to play some part after returning to training.
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It is a great opportunity for Eberechi Eze, to find form too with Myles Lewis-Skelly. While resting the key players ahead of the weekend’s game against Leeds United, and giving something of an audition to those who could come in to play at Elland Road.
However, all eyes will surely be on Havertz and the hope of his inclusion. If he is not in the squad, or gets significant minutes, questions will be asked.
Arsenal changed XI vs Kairat: Kepa; Salmon, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Merino, Eze, Madueke, Havertz, Martinelli