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Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli were both present at Arsenal’s training session on Monday as the Gunners prepare for their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
Eze, who scored the winner in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle, had been substituted in the second half but insisted afterwards that the decision was purely precautionary. Some supporters remained skeptical given his previous claims before the Carabao Cup final, only to miss the subsequent weeks through injury.
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However, the Crystal Palace academy graduate appears to have overcome whatever issue forced his early exit at St James’ Park. His presence at Monday’s open training session will come as a relief to Mikel Arteta ahead of the crucial European tie.
Martinelli also looks set to be available for Wednesday’s clash at the Wanda Metropolitano. The Brazilian was seen clutching his hamstring in stoppage time against Newcastle before collapsing to the turf at the final whistle, but it appears his lively cameo after replacing Eze simply caught up with him physically.
Havertz still sidelined
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As expected, Kai Havertz was not involved in training. [According to Arseblog News](https://arseblog.news/2026/04/eze-and-martinelli-train-havertz-absent-as-gunners-get-set-for-atletico/), the German’s muscular niggle is likely to keep him out for at least another week, though the club remain confident he will still have a part to play in the run-in.
The absence of Havertz leaves Arsenal with limited options up front for the semi-final. Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus remain the primary candidates to lead the line, while Leo Trossard could also be deployed in a false nine role.
Havertz has been instrumental in Arsenal’s Champions League campaign this season, contributing crucial goals and providing the link-up play that has become synonymous with Arteta’s attacking approach. His absence will force the manager to adjust his tactical setup against Diego Simeone’s well-drilled Atletico side.
Injury list shrinking
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The positive news regarding Eze and Martinelli means Arsenal’s injury list continues to shrink at the business end of the season. Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain the only two players currently sidelined.
Timber’s absence has been particularly felt at right-back, with Ben White and David Mosquera sharing duties in his position. The Dutchman’s attacking threat and defensive solidity have been missed during Arsenal’s title push.
Merino, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, remains hopeful of returning before the end of May. The Spanish midfielder’s availability for the potential Champions League final and the final stretch of the Premier League campaign could prove crucial.
Arsenal will need all available players firing as they look to secure their first Champions League final appearance since 2006. The first leg against Atletico Madrid kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday evening.