Germany place World Cup faith in Kai Havertz | OneFootball

The DFB sporting director says Havertz is moving towards the level Germany expect, after a long spell disrupted by injury.

Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images

Rudi Voller has backed Kai Havertz to be exactly where Germany want him by the time the World Cup arrives, offering a strong endorsement of the Arsenal forward after his long injury lay-off.

The debate over Germany’s attacking options has centred on whether Havertz, Nick Woltemade or Deniz Undav will lead the line, but according to BILD, Havertz is already set to become a regular under coach Julian Nagelsmann.

The same report says Woltemade is expected to act as back-up at the World Cup, while Undav is still fighting for his place in the squad.

Voller, the DFB sporting director and one of Germany’s greatest strikers, struck an assured note when asked about the issue. “We will not have a striker problem at the World Cup!“ he said.

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He then spoke directly about Havertz, whose season has been disrupted by injury. “Kai is getting better and in better shape. He will be exactly where we want him to be for the World Cup. I am convinced that we can fully rely on Kai at the World Cup.“

Havertz missed almost the entire first half of the season with knee problems and then sat out another four matches in February because of muscular issues. His appearance against Switzerland in a 4-3 win was his first international match since November 2024, making it an important step in his return.

He then followed that up with a goal from the spot against Ghana.

Voller was encouraged not just by the fact of Havertz’s comeback, but by the level of his display. “I really liked the performance, I told him that personally,” he said.

“He himself is totally happy that he is back. You quickly forget how long he’s been missing. The group received him totally well. On the grass, Kai harmonised well with his fellow forwards up front.“