Four Arsenal players missed training on Monday ahead of the crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Mikel Merino, and Jurrien Timber were all absent from the open session at the club's training ground, casting doubt on their availability for Tuesday night's match at the Emirates Stadium.
Injury Concerns Mount for Arsenal
The quartet's absence suggests they are likely to miss the decisive clash, with the tie finely poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Madrid. Arsenal will feel frustrated not to have taken the lead after a late penalty for a foul on Eberechi Eze was overturned by VAR.
The Gunners head into the match on the back of a commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham at the weekend, a game in which Odegaard, Havertz, Merino, and Timber were also sidelined. There was confusion last week when Arteta initially suggested Merino had travelled to Madrid, only to later clarify his comments.
Arteta's Update on Key Players
Speaking ahead of the Fulham match, Arteta said: "Let's see how everybody is tomorrow morning. Obviously, we haven't been able to train much, so tomorrow we will have a final update. Kai and Jurrien will be out." Havertz hobbled off during the victory over Newcastle United, and Arteta had been hopeful he would recover in time for the second leg, but the German was not seen in training.
Arteta added last week: "Hopefully for Atletico, he will be available. He's pushing every boundary to achieve that." Odegaard's absence also dampens hopes of his return, while Merino is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Atletico Madrid's Injury Woes
Diego Simeone's side also have injury concerns, with Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez doubts after missing their 2-0 win over Valencia at the weekend. The Argentine rotated his squad in preparation for the Arsenal clash.
Arteta is due to face the press later today, where he is expected to provide further updates on the fitness of his squad. The Gunners will be hoping for positive news as they seek to reach the Champions League final.
