Odegaard and Havertz declared fit for Arsenal's Champions League semi-final decider against Atletico Madrid

Key facts

• Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are available for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
• Odegaard was forced off after an hour in the first leg due to a knee issue and missed the weekend's Premier League win over Fulham.
• Havertz missed the first leg and the Fulham match with a muscular problem sustained against Newcastle.
• Bukayo Saka started his first Premier League game since March 14, scoring and assisting in the 3-0 win over Fulham.
• Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with an ankle injury and has not played since the League Cup final on March 22.
• Mikel Merino is recovering from surgery on a fractured foot sustained in January and faces a race to feature this season.
• The first leg ended 1-1, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at Arsenal Stadium.

Arteta confirms Odegaard and Havertz available for decisive clash

Mikel Arteta has declared both Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz fit for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, providing a major boost to Arsenal's hopes of reaching the final. The Arsenal manager confirmed the pair are in the squad for the deciding match at Arsenal Stadium, with the tie finely balanced after a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital last week. Odegaard, the club captain, was forced off after an hour in Madrid as a persistent knee issue flared up, and subsequently missed Saturday's 3-0 Premier League victory over Fulham. Havertz, meanwhile, has been sidelined since pulling up with a muscular problem during a 1-0 win over Newcastle, causing him to miss both the first leg and the Fulham fixture. “Yes, they are available,” Arteta said at a press conference on Monday evening. “They are in the squad, both of them. We need options, we need the capacity to play different games tomorrow, whether it’s from the start or after. So it’s really, really good news for us to have them both back.”

Saka returns to form as Arsenal build momentum

The return of Odegaard and Havertz is complemented by the resurgence of Bukayo Saka, who started a Premier League game for the first time since March 14 and made an immediate impact. Saka scored and provided an assist in the comprehensive win over Fulham, demonstrating the kind of form Arsenal will need against Atletico's disciplined defence. Arteta emphasized the importance of having key players in peak condition at this stage of the competition. “That’s what we need when we arrive at this stage of the competition,” he said. “The players not only have to be available, but to be in top condition and make the difference. Bukayo will certainly give us that.” The manager also highlighted the renewed depth in defence, with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie both available for selection. Arteta noted that the two defenders offer contrasting styles, giving him tactical flexibility against Diego Simeone's side.

Injury concerns persist for Timber and Merino

While Odegaard and Havertz have been cleared, Arsenal remain without Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino. Timber has not featured since the League Cup final on March 22, sidelined by an ankle injury that continues to keep him out of contention. Arteta had previously indicated that the Dutchman was “doing some stuff on the pitch at the moment, but we need to get the gears up and be able to do more things before he can compete with us.” Merino's situation is equally concerning. The Spaniard underwent surgery in January for a fractured foot and is still in recovery, facing a race against time to play any part in the final month of the season. His absence deprives Arsenal of another midfield option as they navigate a congested fixture list. Both players were absent from the open training session ahead of the Atletico match, suggesting their returns are not imminent.

First leg stalemate sets stage for high-stakes decider

The second leg carries enormous weight after last week's 1-1 draw in Madrid. Arsenal will have the advantage of playing at home, but Atletico's resilience and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous opponents. The result will determine who advances to the Champions League final, with both teams aware of the historic significance. Arsenal's injury-ravaged season has forced Arteta to frequently reshuffle his lineup, with players often deployed in unfamiliar roles. The return of Odegaard and Havertz provides much-needed stability in midfield, while Saka's form offers a potent attacking outlet. Atletico, managed by the wily Diego Simeone, will be preparing for a tactical battle, and Arteta is likely to keep his final lineup close to his chest.

Arteta's squad rotation tested by persistent injuries

Injuries have been a recurring theme for Arsenal this season, forcing Arteta into numerous changes and challenging players to adapt to different positions. The manager acknowledged that having both Calafiori and Hincapie available simultaneously has been a rarity, limiting his tactical options. “We rarely had both of them available at the same time for long periods so we’re more restricted in terms of the opponent and the connection that we’re going to generate throughout the game or with the teammates to choose from there,” he explained. Despite these challenges, Arsenal have managed to keep their season alive across multiple competitions. The depth of the squad will be tested again on Tuesday, but the return of key figures offers hope that they can overcome Atletico and take another step toward European glory.

Decision on Odegaard and Havertz likely to be last-minute

Although Arteta confirmed both players are in the squad, their exact roles remain uncertain. The manager indicated that the decision on whether they start or come off the bench will be made late, keeping Simeone guessing. “We need options, we need the capacity to play different games tomorrow, whether it’s from the start or after,” Arteta said, suggesting he may use them as impact substitutes if necessary. Odegaard's knee issue has been a concern for some time, and Havertz's muscular problem required careful management. Both players have been pushing to be involved, but the medical staff will have the final say. The uncertainty adds an extra layer of intrigue to a match already laden with tension.

Arsenal seek to make history against Atletico

Tuesday's match represents a chance for Arsenal to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. The club's history in the competition includes that famous run to the final in Paris, where they lost to Barcelona, but they have not been back to the showpiece since. For Arteta, a victory would cement his status as one of the club's most successful managers, having already won the FA Cup and League Cup. Atletico, meanwhile, are three-time finalists and know how to navigate knockout ties. Simeone's side are renowned for their defensive solidity and ability to frustrate opponents, but Arsenal's attacking firepower, now bolstered by the returns of Odegaard, Havertz, and Saka, could prove decisive. The stage is set for a memorable night at Arsenal Stadium.

The bottom line

• Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are fit and available for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
• Bukayo Saka returned to form with a goal and assist in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Fulham, his first Premier League start since March 14.
• Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain sidelined with ankle and foot injuries respectively, with no clear return date.
• The first leg ended 1-1, leaving the tie evenly poised ahead of the decisive match at Arsenal Stadium.
• Arteta has defensive options with both Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie available, offering tactical flexibility.
• Arsenal are seeking their first Champions League final appearance since 2006.