Germany forward Kai Havertz says he is nearing his best form again after a difficult spell with injuries over the past 12 months, and believes a strong run with Arsenal across multiple competitions in the coming months will be ideal preparation for the World Cup.

Havertz, who has been out of the national team setup for over a year after missing last year’s international fixtures through injury, has been included in Germany’s squad to face Switzerland on Friday and Ghana three days later.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the friendly against Switzerland, he admitted the past year has been challenging.

“I had a tough time. It was not easy for me,” Havertz said. “I had my first injury in February last year, three and a half months out, then a comeback and then a setback with the knee injury.”

The 26-year-old returned to action for Premier League leaders Arsenal in January after being sidelined since August, and says he is now ready for a busy schedule ahead, with domestic league duties, the FA Cup and the Champions League all to come.

“I now feel completely fit. I need one or two games from the start to reach 100 percent, but I feel ready to play 90 minutes,” he said.

Kai Havertz also said Arsenal’s packed fixture schedule has come at the right time for him.

“We have many matches across three competitions. I missed the first six months of the season and I will give everything for the club, and to go into the World Cup with full confidence. I want to be successful at this World Cup and lead the way,” he added.

Germany are targeting World Cup success after disappointing group-stage exits in both 2018 and 2022, as they aim to re-establish themselves as one of international football’s leading forces. The tournament begins in June and will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The four-time world champions have not reached a major tournament final since their 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil. They have been drawn in Group E alongside Ecuador, Curacao and Ivory Coast for the competition running from June 11 to July 19.

Germany begin their campaign on June 14 in Houston against Curacao, before travelling to Toronto on June 20 to face Ivory Coast, and then conclude their group stage against Ecuador in New York on June 25.