Arsenal were without both Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz for their 3-0 win against Fulham, and fans will be eager to see them return in time to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League
Mikel Arteta press conference
Mikel Arteta has provided some positive news(Image: Hayters TV)
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Mikel Arteta is optimistic Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz will win their race against the clock in time to face Atletico Madrid. It's understood Odegaard irritated his knee in last week's first leg in Spain before being substituted in the second half.
The Norwegian subsequently sat out Saturday's 3-0 thrashing of Fulham, while Havertz has now missed the past two matches with a groin issue. The German sustained the muscular problem after setting up Eberechi Eze's ninth-minute winner against Newcastle 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, stating: "I think so, the both of them. We're going to do everything we can to have them ready for the game."
Away from their European exploits, Arsenal took a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday. A brace from Viktor Gyokeres sandwiched Bukayo Saka's first goal since returning from injury.
Although title rivals Manchester City have two games in hand, Arsenal could stay top on goal difference. And Arteta feels that the nature of the Fulham victory will boost belief in the dressing room.
"It says to us and toward our dressing room that we keep the dream alive," Arteta said. "That what these guys have done, not now, but throughout the season to win that many games is remarkable.
"Because I think it's going to help on Tuesday. What we want now is to use that momentum, energy and belief towards Tuesday. This was a critical game.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: (L-R) Kai Haveretz and Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on April 24, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are set to return against Atletico Madrid(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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"We know 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 game, which is one of the biggest in the history of this stadium. We're going to try to make it happen."
After Tuesday's return leg against Atletico, the Gunners travel to West Ham next Sunday. Their final league games are at home to Burnley and away to Crystal Palace. Should they reach the Champions League final, they'd face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, May 30 in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.