Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz for their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners are set to face Diego Simeone's side on Wednesday evening with Arteta providing the latest team news during his pre-match press conference.
Asked about Havertz's participation, he said: "Kai is out."
The German attacking-midfielder was pulled just 35 minutes into Arsenal's Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Saturday and replaced by Viktor Gyokeres, with Arteta at the time citing how his issue was thought to be a 'muscular niggle.'
However, said problem has proven to be enough to keep the 26-year-old out of contention for this week's all-important Champions League match.
Havertz is not the only player who will be absent from Arteta's first-team squad for the gruelling test against Atletico away from home. Arteta also explained that Jurrien Timber has not travelled for the fixture as a result of a groin injury.
He said: "Jurrien is not in the squad," before he was probed on a potential return timeline. He continued: "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."
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In more positive news, Arteta confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori and Ebere Eze will be a part of his team on Wednesday evening.
Like Havertz, Eze was also subbed off during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Newcastle. However, the Englishman was quick to clear up in the aftermath that it was a precautionary measure.
He told Sky Sports: "Yeah, I'm alright. I'm all good," before adding: "Just precaution, didn't want to do anything. Yeah, I'll be okay."
Despite being omitted from the FA Cup by Southampton earlier this month and losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City, Arsenal still have the chance of a Champions League and Premier League double in 2025/26.
Kai Havertz receives treatment
Kai Havertz was injured during Arsenal's game with Newcastle United (Image: PA)
A win over two legs against Atletico Madrid will see them through to May's final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich.
In the Premier League, meanwhile, the Gunners sit three points clear of Manchester City at the summit as they head into their final four.
While Arteta and his side's full focus will undoubtedly be on a tough double-test with Atletico at present, they will be ready to shift it back toward clashes with Fulham, West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace for the final stint of the Premier League season.
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