Arsenal receive mixed injury news ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid with the Premier League title race with Manchester City still undecided
Mikel Arteta during an Arsenal press conference
Mikel Arteta gave an Arsenal injury update this week ahead of his side's clash with Atletico Madrid(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have received mixed injury news as the Premier League title race with Manchester City continues. City are three points behind the Gunners in the table and have a game in hand, which will see them face Crystal Palace next month.
Wednesday night will see Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg, and the Gunners have been handed a fresh injury update for the match.
Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori are poised to rejoin the matchday squad, but there are still some concerns for Arsenal ahead of the clash against Atletico.
Arsenal endured three injury concerns during the victory over Newcastle, with Havertz, Eze and Martin Zubimendi all substituted, reports football.london.
Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at how Arsenal's injury list looks with the title race still undecided...
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze struck the decisive goal against Newcastle and claimed the Player of the Match accolade but was substituted after sustaining a knock just 10 minutes into the second half.
While fans may have worried the versatile attacking-midfielder was facing time on the sidelines, Eze was quick to clarify his situation with Sky Sports after the final whistle.
He said: "Yeah, I'm alright. I'm all good," before adding: "Just precaution, didn't want to do anything. Yeah, I'll be okay."
Arteta has subsequently confirmed he'll be available in the squad for this evening's fixture.
Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico (A).
Kai Havertz
Havertz was felled by Viktor Gyokeres just 35 minutes into the clash with Newcastle United, requiring treatment on the pitch before being substituted by Arteta and heading straight down the tunnel for further assessment on his foot.
Speaking following that match, Arteta said of Havertz and Eze: "Lets see, at the moment they have to be looked after but hopefully they're going to be okay."
However, during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Atletico fixture, Arteta confirmed: "Kai is out."
Potential return date: Sat, May 2nd vs Fulham (H).
Riccardo Calafiori
The Italian was omitted from the squad to face Newcastle United, with Arteta conceding the defender was edging closer to a comeback.
The Gunners boss said: "He was very close. But we have certain players that are coming back from injuries and can play certain moments as well, and we need to be balanced in what we need to."
In a fresh update for Arsenal, Arteta disclosed that Calafiori would be fit to feature against Atletico Madrid.
Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico (A).
Jurrien Timber
Despite some uncertainty during the pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that Jurrien Timber would not feature in the squad in Madrid.
"Jurrien is not in the squad," Arteta said, before he was quizzed 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."
Potential return date: Unknown.
Mikel Merino
Although the Spaniard may still feature before the season draws to a close, Arteta has remained tight-lipped about committing to any timeframe for Merino's recovery.
Arteta recently said: "It's a bit premature to say that [he will play again this season]. He's evolving really well he's really pushing every boundary that he possibly can but it's a bit early to answer that question."
Potential return date: Unknown.