Mikel Arteta was speaking following Arsenal's 3-0 Premier League victory over Fulham that extended their lead at the top of the table to six points
11:29, 03 May 2026Updated 11:29, 03 May 2026
Mikel Arteta
View 2 Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could be set for a double injury boost(Image: (Alex Pantling/Getty Images))
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is optimistic Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz will win their race to be fit to face Atletico Madrid. It's understood Gunners skipper Odegaard irritated his knee during last week’s first-leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium before being substituted in the second half.
The Norwegian sat out Saturday's 3-0 victory against Fulham, while Kai Havertz has now missed the past two matches with a groin problem. The German sustained the issue after setting up Eberechi Eze's ninth-minute winner against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on April 25.
However, Arteta is hopeful both will be ready in time to play a part in the club's quest to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. Speaking to beIN SPORTS, he said: "I think so, the both of them. We're going to do everything we can to have them ready for the game."
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta masterstroke as Arsenal thrash Fulham and surge six points ahead of Man CityREAD MORE: Arsenal news: £50m transfer target emerges as star tells Mikel Arteta 'I'm not happy'
The Gunners extended the longest unbeaten home record for any side against another in English football league history when they comfortably dispatched Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday evening. Viktor Gyokeres scored either side of a Bukayo Saka strike to fire the Gunners to a three-goal advantage before half-time.
Arsenal are now six points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race - although Pep Guardiola’s side do have two games in hand. And asked what message the win over Marco Silva’s side sent to City, Arteta said: “It says to us and to our dressing room that we keep the dream alive.
JOIN US ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
“Now we want to use that momentum, energy and belief towards Tuesday (in the Champions League), and we’re going to certainly need that.
“And when I look at the atmosphere in the dressing room, it is tracking in the right direction. It was a critical game.
“We knew the importance of the win and the manner that we’ve done it and the goal difference in the Premier League, and because this game was going to carry a lot of energy towards the next match.”
Mikel Arteta celebrates after Riccardo Calafiori scores for Arsenal against Fulham
View 2 Images
Mikel Arteta could be handed a double Arsenal injury boost(Image: Getty Images)
On the support his side received from their fans, Arteta added: "That's exactly what we need. If we can produce that synergy between the players, actions and the crowd, we make one hell of an opponent."
Arsenal take on West Ham United next Sunday hosting Burnley and heading to Crystal Palace on the final day, and Myles Lewis-Skelly said: "I just want to say thank you to the boss and the players for putting their trust in me. I feel like I needed to be ready today, and I'm glad they took the chance.
Article continues below
"I loved it. We've just been saying [we need to] play for each other and play with intensity, then our quality will shine through.
"It's well deserved for this club, it's where we're meant to be. We have to take this opportunity now, because it's there for the taking. We see pressure as a privilege."
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.