Havertz wanted to keep playing - Arteta

Mikel Arteta has said that Kai Havertz will be asking to start for Arsenal against Leeds United on Saturday after his performance against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League.

Havertz was making his first start for Arsenal in 357 days after knee and hamstring issues.

The Germany international had a hand in all three Gunners goals, including netting himself and playing Viktor Gyokeres through for the second-minute opener.

"The quality he showed, the way he connected with the team, the goal he scored and the assist he made in the first half [meant it was] a really positive performance," Arteta said.

Havertz, who was playing in a deeper midfield role, was withdrawn at half-time but Arteta said that was part of a plan for the forward to build up his match fitness.

"That's what we planned - 45 minutes. We wanted to start him as well so he could do all the process before that in the best possible way. From now on, we'll have to make a decision whether he starts or not in those competitions," said the Arsenal manager.

Before Wednesday, Havertz had only played 59 minutes this season, but Arteta is expecting him to be knocking on his door to start the Premier League match at the weekend.

"For sure, he wanted to continue playing today - so I know what is coming tomorrow," he said.