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Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz will be available for Tuesday's Champions League semifinal second leg against Atlético Madrid, delivering a significant boost to Arsenal's preparations.
The left-footed duo both missed Saturday's fixture against Fulham. Arsenal cruised to a comfortable 3–0 victory regardless, but their return is nonetheless welcome. Ødegaard remains Arsenal's most dangerous creative outlet and one of the few squad members composed enough to receive the ball under pressure without losing possession. It was no coincidence that Atlético's strongest period in the 1–1 first-leg draw in Madrid came after Arsenal's captain was taken off.
Havertz missed the first leg in Spain altogether after suffering a hamstring injury against Newcastle United. Viktor Gyökeres has netted three goals across the two matches since, yet he lacks the technical finesse of his fellow forward. Against an Atlético side likely to press in bursts while consistently limiting space in behind their defensive line, Havertz appears the more natural central option. Having either choice available is a luxury Arteta will gladly embrace.
"We need options," the Arsenal manager said, "we need the ability to play different types of games, whether from the start or from the bench. So it's really, really great news to have them both back."
While Arsenal's camp has been lifted by the positive injury updates, Atlético have had to prepare for the semifinal following a disrupted night's rest.
Firework display outside Atleti's team hotel last night. Massive coincidence.. pic.twitter.com/wIK4k7pBMj
Several members of Atlético's playing and coaching staff were reportedly woken at around 1.30 a.m. by fireworks let off outside the club's hotel in east London. A second round followed approximately 20 minutes later, leading club staff to conclude this was a deliberate act. MARCA reports that the club promptly filed a complaint with UEFA regarding the incident, which has precedent in European football.
An additional twist is that Atlético had opted to stay at a different hotel from the one they used during their Champions League league-phase encounter with Arsenal earlier this campaign. Manager Diego Simeone maintained the decision was purely financial rather than superstitious, while club president Enrique Cerezo dismissed the matter with a laugh: "The economy is the economy."
Every Arsenal Player Ruled Out vs. Atlético Madrid
Jurriën Timber
The wait for Jurriën Timber continues. Arsenal's highly impactful fullback has not played since being forced off with a groin issue against Everton in mid-March.
The Gunners have lost four of their six domestic games during Timber's absence, crashing out of both cup competitions while allowing Manchester City to re-enter the Premier League title picture. Most worryingly, there is no definitive timeline for his return.
Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino would have been an ideal fit for a Champions League showdown with Atlético Madrid. The combative midfielder dominates in the air, providing an aerial outlet against any form of high press. There is also elegance to complement Merino's tenacity — only three Premier League players have recorded a higher average of successful through balls this season than the injured Spain international.
Arsenal have been unable to call upon Merino's distinctive skill set since January. A "unique" foot injury required the 29-year-old to undergo surgery, from which he is not expected to recover until late May at the very earliest.