Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz will miss the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid due to injury. However, the Gunners have received a double boost with Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori set to feature in the matchday squad.
Eberechi Eze Available After Knock
Eze scored the decisive goal in Arsenal's victory over Newcastle and was named Player of the Match, but he was substituted after sustaining a knock early in the second half. Speaking after the game, Eze reassured fans: "Yeah, I'm alright. I'm all good. Just precaution, didn't want to do anything. Yeah, I'll be okay." Arteta has since confirmed that Eze will be available for selection against Atletico Madrid.
Kai Havertz Ruled Out
Havertz was forced off after just 35 minutes against Newcastle, receiving treatment on the pitch before heading straight down the tunnel. Initially, Arteta expressed hope that the injury was not serious, but he later confirmed: "Kai is out." The German attacker is expected to return for Arsenal's match against West Ham on May 10.
Riccardo Calafiori Returns
Calafiori was omitted from the squad against Newcastle as a precaution, but Arteta confirmed that the Italian defender is now fit and available for the Atletico clash. "He was very close. But we have certain players that are coming back from injuries and can play certain moments as well," Arteta explained.
Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino Still Sidelined
Arteta confirmed that Jurrien Timber will not travel to Madrid, with no clear timeline for his return. "Jurrien is not in the squad. We don't know yet, he is doing some stuff on the pitch at the moment. He needs to do some more things before he can compete with us," Arteta said. Meanwhile, Mikel Merino's return remains uncertain, with Arteta stating: "It's a bit premature to say that he will play again this season. He's evolving really well he's really pushing every boundary that he possibly can but it's a bit early to answer that question."
Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, with the winner set to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final.
