Mikel Arteta has provided the latest Arsenal team news ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Kai Havertz will miss the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid with injury. However, a double boost has been confirmed with Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori set feature in the matchday squad.
Mikel Arteta’s men are set to lock horns with the La Liga giants in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tonight, with a number of crucial players having been touch-and-go for the fixture.
The Gunners were dealt three injury concerns during their victory over Newcastle, with Havertz, Eze and Martin Zubimendi all being substituted off. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Arsenal as the victors of the tie will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final, with the two sides playing out a nine-goal thriller on Tuesday.
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With all of that being said, Mirror Sport has taken a look at the latest updates on Arsenal’s injured stars and when they might return to action.
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal against Newcastle and claimed the Player of the Match award, but was hauled off after sustaining a knock just 10 minutes into the second half.
Although fans may have been concerned the versatile attacking midfielder was facing time on the sidelines, Eze was quick to put minds at rest when speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle.
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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 since confirmed he will be available for selection for tonight’s match.
Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico Madrid (A).
Kai Havertz
Havertz was replaced by Viktor Gyokeres just 35 minutes into the encounter with Newcastle United, requiring treatment on the pitch before being substituted by Arteta and heading straight down the tunnel for further assessment.
Speaking afterwards, 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.”
Yet during his pre-match press conference ahead of Atletico, Arteta confirmed: “Kai is out.”
Potential return date: Sunday, May 10 vs West Ham (A).
Riccardo Calafiori
The Italian was omitted from the squad to face Newcastle United, with Arteta acknowledging the defender was nearing a comeback.
The Gunners manager explained: “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 encouraging news for Arsenal, Arteta confirmed he would be available to face Atletico Madrid.
Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico Madrid (A).
Jurrien Timber
Despite some uncertainty in the pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed Jurrien Timber would be missing from the squad in Madrid.
“Jurrien is not in the squad,” Arteta stated, before being pressed on a potential return timeframe. He added: “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 could yet make an appearance before the season draws to a close, Arteta has remained tight-lipped over 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.
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