Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has delivered a positive injury update ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, confirming that both Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are fit and available for selection.
Double Injury Boost for Arsenal
When asked about the fitness of the duo, Arteta stated: "Yeah they are available, both in the squad." He further emphasised the importance of their return, adding: "Great, because we need options, we need the capacity to play different games tomorrow, whether it's from the start or after. So it's really, really good news for us to have them both back."
The pair had sustained minor knocks late last month, but Arteta has confirmed they have shaken off those issues and will feature in the squad for Tuesday evening's crucial encounter at the Emirates Stadium. This represents a significant double boost for the Gunners and comes as something of a surprise, as neither player was visible in open training on Monday.
Other Injury Updates
Jurrien Timber was also absent from the session at London Colney, with the Dutch defender now approaching two months on the sidelines due to injury. However, Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori have recently returned to action. Saka made his first start in over a month during the 3-0 victory over Fulham this past weekend, featuring for just the opening 45 minutes but demonstrating his class with an assist for Viktor Gyokeres and a goal of his own.
Arteta expressed his delight at welcoming Saka back, saying: "Great, that's what we need when we arrive in this stage of the competition. So the players can arrive and help us."
Team Performance and Title Race
Gyokeres netted his second just before the break, widening the gap to Manchester City at the summit to six points. He was another Arsenal player substituted early alongside Declan Rice, who had started at the base of midfield. Those changes allowed Martin Zubimendi a brief breather, with Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was superb, stepping into the middle of the park.
That 3-0 triumph has left Arsenal just three matches away from Premier League title glory, while they are also chasing a place in the Champions League final. The first leg in Spain finished all square, with spot-kicks converted by both sides.
Atletico Madrid's Injury Concerns
Atletico were missing several players for that encounter and also lost crucial figures during the European semi-final, with Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone withdrawn through injury. Nevertheless, both have been included in their travelling party along with Alexander Sorloth, who was also considered doubtful. That trio is accompanied by Jose Gimenez, who appears poised to return following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
