Havertz and Rüdiger in training as Germany comeback expected
Germany's Kai Havertz arrives to the team's press conference ahead of the International friendly soccer match against Switzerland. Federico Gambarini/dpa Kai Havertz and Antonio Rüdiger returned to team training on Wednesday and are set to make their German national team comebacks from lengthy injury lay-offs. Germany visit Switzerland in Basel on Friday and host Ghana in Stuttgart three days later in tune-up matches for the World Cup in summer.
Arsenal forward Havertz and Real Madrid defender Rüdiger are considered key players by coach Julian Nagelsmann. Havertz last played for his country in November 2024 and Rüdiger last September due to injuries. Havertz told a news conference after training that he is ready to play a leading role in the run-up and at the June 11-July 19 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, where Germany play debutants Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in the group stage.
"“I bring a bit of experience from a few matches and hope that, as the tournament approaches, I can step up and help the lads perform to the best of their ability on the pitch,” the 55-times capped Havertz said. “I don’t think anyone would deny that I’m not the kind of player who gives rousing speeches in the dressing room. But there are also players who lead by example through their performance – and I count myself among them.
” Havertz was sidelined for months with a knee injury and then suffered a muscle injury setback but he has been playing regularly at the Premier League leaders Arsenal over the past weeks. "It was a difficult time," he said, adding that he needs a few more full games to be back at 100%.