Kai Havertz came off the bench to hit the woodwork for Germany on Tuesday night, as one of three Arsenal internationals not to make their starting lineup.
Following rests for David Raya and Mikel Merino on Monday, Mikel Arteta would have been relatively pleased to see Tuesday night’s international lineups, with three potential Arsenal starters against Nottingham Forest beginning their international matches on the bench.
Kai Havertz was named as a substitute by Germany, Jurrien Timber was on the bench for the Netherlands, and Gabriel Martinelli for Brazil – though Gabriel Magalhaes started that match against Uruguay.
Both Havertz and Timber had started their first games of the November break, but there was much less to play for on Tuesday. Germany had already secured their position as group winners before kick-off, and the Netherlands were already guaranteed the runner-up spot.
Havertz and Timber both missed the October international break through injury, so their managers will have been well aware of the need to give them rests when possible.
Even so, Havertz did come on for the final 29 minutes of the game, with the scores at 0-0 and both teams looking for a winner.
Just seconds later, the Arsenal forward almost found it, striking a sweet volley from the edge of the penalty area but seeing his effort come back off the post.
Germany did then take the lead via a set-piece, with Felix Nmecha tapping home a rebound, but Hungary equalised with a penalty late in stoppage time to ensure the match finished as a draw.
Timber remained on the bench for the Netherlands, whilst Martinelli only played 32 minutes for Brazil, so hopefully all three players will be fit and raring to go for Arsenal this weekend.
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