Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are both available for Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. The Gunners manager delivered the positive update during his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s crucial encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Injury Returns
Odegaard started the first leg but was withdrawn early in the second half before missing Saturday’s 3-0 win over Fulham. Havertz, meanwhile, has missed the last two games after picking up an injury during the 1-0 victory over Newcastle. Both players are now back in contention, providing a significant boost to Arteta’s selection options.
‘They’re available, in the squad both of them,’ Arteta confirmed. ‘It’s great. We need options, we need the capacity to play different games tomorrow, whether it’s from the start or after. It’s really, really good news for us to have them both back.’
Selection Dilemmas
Havertz’s return creates a selection conundrum up front, especially after Viktor Gyokeres’ impressive performances in the last week. The Swede scored Arsenal’s goal in the first leg from the penalty spot and netted a brace against Fulham at the weekend. Bukayo Saka also impressed against Fulham and looks set to start again, having been substituted at half-time on Saturday to manage his return from injury.
‘Great, that’s what we need when we arrive in this stage of the competition – the players not only to be available, but to be in top condition to perform and make the difference, and Bukayo will certainly give us that,’ Arteta added.
Absentees
However, Arsenal will still be without Jurrien Timber as his frustrating end to the season continues. The defender remains sidelined, limiting Arteta’s defensive options for the semi-final second leg.
Arsenal are aiming to reach their first Champions League final since 2006, and the return of key players like Havertz and Odegaard could prove pivotal in their quest for European glory.
