Eze and Martinelli train ahead of Arsenal's Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid

Key facts

• Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli participated in Arsenal's open training session on Tuesday.
• Jurrien Timber missed the final training session due to a groin injury sustained in mid-March.
• Kai Havertz was absent from training after a muscular issue against Newcastle on Saturday.
• Mikel Merino remains sidelined with a stress fracture in his foot, hopeful to return before end of May.
• Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday at the Wanda Metropolitano.
• Eze scored the winner in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Newcastle and was substituted as a precaution.
• Gabriel Martinelli was seen clutching his hamstring after the Newcastle match but trained fully.
• Riccardo Calafiori also trained after recovering from a knock sustained in the quarter-finals.

Arsenal's injury concerns ahead of Madrid clash

Arsenal's preparations for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid have been disrupted by a growing injury list. Jurrien Timber missed the final training session at London Colney on Tuesday, making him highly unlikely to feature at the Wanda Metropolitano. The versatile defender has been sidelined since mid-March with a groin injury sustained against Everton, and his absence from the session suggests he is not yet ready for the intensity of European competition. Kai Havertz also sat out the afternoon session after being forced off with a muscular issue during Saturday's 1-0 win over Newcastle. While initial fears of a long-term layoff have eased, the German is expected to miss the first leg in Spain. The club remains cautiously optimistic that he could return sooner than anticipated as Arsenal chase both domestic and European silverware. Mikel Merino continues his recovery from a stress fracture in his foot and was not involved. He remains hopeful of returning before the end of May.

Triple fitness boost as Eze, Martinelli, and Calafiori return

Despite the setbacks, Arsenal received positive news as Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli, and Riccardo Calafiori all trained with the squad. Eze, who scored the winner in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Newcastle, was substituted in the second half but said afterwards the decision was purely precautionary. Some supporters were skeptical after similar assurances before the Carabao Cup final, which preceded a two-week absence, but the issue appears to have cleared. Martinelli was seen clutching his hamstring in stoppage time against Newcastle and collapsed to the turf at the final whistle. However, his lively cameo after replacing Eze may simply have caught up with him, and he trained without apparent discomfort. Calafiori has recovered from a knock sustained in the quarter-finals, providing much-needed defensive depth. Their returns give Mikel Arteta more options as he balances a demanding schedule.

Arteta's squad rotation challenge amid Premier League title race

The Arsenal squad is due to fly to the Spanish capital on Tuesday evening following their final preparations at London Colney. The match represents one of the biggest hurdles in the club's pursuit of a historic double. With the Premier League title race also reaching its climax, Arteta must carefully manage his squad rotation to maintain momentum in both competitions. The absence of Timber and Havertz, both key contributors this season, forces Arteta to rely on his depth. The Gunners have been handed a boost with the return of three key stars, but the manager must decide how to deploy them against a disciplined Atletico side. Arteta is expected to provide a formal update on Timber's progress during his pre-match press conference in Madrid.

Eze's winner and Martinelli's cameo set stage for semi-final

Eze's match-winning strike against Newcastle on Saturday kept Arsenal's Premier League title hopes alive. The 1-0 victory was secured by his goal, and his substitution in the second half raised immediate concerns ahead of the Champions League tie. His presence at training allays those fears, though his fitness for the full 90 minutes remains to be seen. Martinelli's cameo after replacing Eze was lively but ended with him clutching his hamstring. The Brazilian's apparent recovery is a relief for Arteta, who values his pace and directness on the flank. Both players could be crucial against Atletico's compact defense. The club remains confident that Havertz will have a part to play in the run-in, despite missing the first leg.

Timber's groin injury timeline and Merino's foot fracture

Timber has been sidelined since mid-March with a groin injury sustained against Everton. His absence from Tuesday's final training session indicates he is not yet ready to return to high-intensity competition. Arteta's pre-match press conference in Madrid will provide further clarity on his recovery timeline. Merino, recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, remains hopeful of returning before the end of May. The midfielder has been out for several weeks and his absence has been felt in the middle of the park. Both players are expected to miss the first leg, but their potential availability later in the season could be significant. The club is managing their recoveries carefully to avoid setbacks.

Atletico Madrid await at the Wanda Metropolitano

Arsenal face a formidable opponent in Atletico Madrid, known for their defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess. The first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano will test Arteta's tactical flexibility, especially with key players missing. The Gunners will need to be clinical in front of goal and resilient at the back to secure a positive result. The match is one of the biggest hurdles in Arsenal's pursuit of a historic double. With the Premier League title race also reaching its climax, every decision carries weight. The squad's depth will be tested, but the return of Eze, Martinelli, and Calafiori provides a timely boost. The second leg at the Emirates Stadium will follow, with the aggregate score determining who advances to the final.

Outlook: Arsenal's balancing act in pursuit of silverware

Arsenal's Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid comes at a critical juncture in their season. The injury list, while concerning, has been mitigated by the return of key players. Arteta must now navigate the tactical demands of European competition while keeping his squad fresh for the Premier League run-in. The club's cautious optimism about Havertz's return and Merino's potential availability later in May suggests they are planning for a long campaign. The depth of the squad will be tested, but the positive news on Eze, Martinelli, and Calafiori offers hope. The first leg in Madrid will set the tone for the tie. Arsenal will need to be disciplined, creative, and clinical to overcome a team that thrives on frustrating opponents. The stakes could not be higher.

The bottom line

• Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday with key injuries to Timber and Havertz.
• Eze, Martinelli, and Calafiori trained fully, providing a boost to Arteta's options.
• Eze's winner against Newcastle and Martinelli's cameo highlight their importance to the squad.
• Timber's groin injury and Merino's foot fracture keep them sidelined, with no return date for Timber yet.
• Arteta must balance squad rotation between the Champions League and Premier League title race.
• The club remains hopeful Havertz can return sooner than expected despite missing the first leg.