Credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have received a major boost ahead of their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, with both **Martin Odegaard** and **Kai Havertz** confirmed to return to the squad.
The Gunners host the Spanish side at the Emirates Stadium following last week’s 1-1 draw in Madrid, with a place in the Champions League final at stake.
FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
The weekly Arsenal FC newsletter
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Both players had been doubtful for the clash after missing Monday morning’s training session, but Mikel Arteta delivered the positive news at his pre-match press conference.
“They’re available, in the squad both of them,” Arteta confirmed. “It’s great. We need options, we need the capacity to play different games tomorrow, whether it’s from the start or after. It’s really, really good news for us to have them both back.”
Key players overcome injury concerns
------------------------------------
Odegaard had been struggling with knee discomfort after being substituted early in the second half during the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano. The Norwegian midfielder’s presence will be crucial for Arsenal’s creativity in the final third.
Havertz, meanwhile, had picked up a muscle injury during the victory over Newcastle ten days ago. The German forward appeared devastated as he left the pitch but has avoided any serious damage and is now ready to contribute to Arsenal’s push for a Champions League final berth.
The returns come at the perfect time for Arteta’s side, who are looking to reach the Champions League final for just the second time in their history. The additional attacking options could prove decisive in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Timber remains sidelined
------------------------
However, there was less positive news regarding Jurrien Timber, who will miss the Atletico clash as his frustrating injury struggles continue.
The Dutch defender has been battling a persistent groin problem and hasn’t featured since Arsenal’s victory over Everton in mid-March. Despite Arteta initially suggesting the issue would only keep Timber out for a “matter of days,” it has now been approaching two months since he was last available for selection.
Arsenal will need to navigate the semi-final second leg without the versatile defender, but the return of Odegaard and Havertz provides Arteta with crucial depth and tactical flexibility. The north London side know that a positive result at the Emirates Stadium could secure their passage to the Champions League final and keep their European dreams alive for another crucial match.