‘Strong and ready’ – Kai Havertz sends Arsenal fitness message

Kai Havertz says he feels “strong and ready” for the new campaign after scoring in Arsenal’s 4-1 pre-season victory over Girona.

Havertz being fit is another positive for Mikel Arteta after the Germany international returned from his post-World Cup break.

The forward opened the scoring in Spain before Christos Tzolis, Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus completed a comfortable victory.

Speaking in Arsenal’s official post-match interview, Havertz said his fitness levels already feel good despite having only recently returned to training.

“I feel good, feel strong and I’m ready to go,” he said.

🎙️Kai Havertz on his fitness…

🗣️“Playing games is the best way to get fit and especially for the players. I think they've had a long break now. I think it's important to play a couple of games. I think we're already looking forward to the next one.

“(My fitness levels) are… pic.twitter.com/JvJnnspkzN
— Arsenal Radar (@ArsenalRadar) August 2, 2026

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Kai Havertz Arsenal pre-season fitness provides early boost

Havertz was one of several World Cup players who returned later than the majority of Arteta’s squad.

ReadArsenal previously reported that Havertz had joined the squad in Spain alongside Piero Hincapié and Viktor Gyökeres after completing his summer break. His immediate involvement against Girona suggests he has returned in good physical condition.

That will be welcome news for Arteta during a compressed pre-season.

Arsenal face Real Betis on Wednesday before meetings with Borussia Dortmund and Como. Manchester City then await in the Community Shield on 16 August.

Havertz was also encouraged by Arsenal’s attacking connections against Girona and praised Tzolis following the new signing’s first goal for the club.

The 27-year-old already knew about the Greece international from his time playing in Germany and believes Arsenal’s academy players have also impressed with their work rate and quality.

Attention is now turning towards defending the Premier League title.

Havertz made clear that last season’s success cannot lower Arsenal’s standards. The German believes Arteta’s squad must improve again if they are to add further trophies.

His early fitness provides one less concern.

With several internationals still returning in stages, having Havertz already scoring and feeling physically prepared gives Arteta another important senior option heading into the final weeks of Arsenal’s preparations.