Bayer Leverkusen leads favourites Arsenal for much of the Champions League round of 16 first leg – then Kai Havertz scores.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has sent a clear warning to his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that high-profile names could be left out of his final selection. As the nation prepares for upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana later this month, Nagelsmann has indicated that club status will not guarantee a seat on the plane to North America, emphasising that team chemistry and specific tactical profiles will take precedence over reputation.

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has claimed that Arsenal are "among the top favourites" to win the Champions League after the Bundesliga side were paired with the Premier League leaders in the last-16 stage of the competition.

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is set for another spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury. The Germany international has missed most of the 2025-26 season so far with various fitness issues, and is now expected to sit out several further matches, including next weekend's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, due to a fresh problem.

Arsenal are into the final of the Carabao Cup after beating Chelsea 1-0 on Tuesday, prevailing 4-2 on aggregate. The Gunners showed little attacking appetite at the Emirates having entered the game with a lead to protect, and ultimately their visitors didn't ask enough meaningful questions to ever put their place at Wembley in serious doubt.

Kai Havertz marked his first start in almost a year with a goal and an assist as Arsenal made it eight wins from eight in the Champions League with a 3-2 success over Kairat Almaty to seal their spot as league phase winners. Havertz, whose last start came 357 days ago, showed the Gunners exactly what they had been missing when he set up Viktor Gyokeres for an early opener before adding a second himself with a fine run and finish after Jorginho had equalised for the visitors from the penalty spot.