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

Key facts

• Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard are in the matchday squad for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg.
• The pair missed the first leg (1-1 draw in Madrid) and Saturday's 3-0 Premier League win over Fulham.
• Bukayo Saka started a Premier League game for the first time since March 14, scoring and assisting against Fulham.
• Defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié are both available, a rare occurrence this season.
• Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury.
• Arsenal have not reached a Champions League final since 2006.
• The winner will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Arteta confirms double injury boost ahead of decisive clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard are both available for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. The pair missed the first leg in Madrid, which ended 1-1, and Saturday's 3-0 Premier League victory over Fulham. Their return provides Arteta with crucial attacking options as Arsenal seek to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years. “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.” The head coach also declared Havertz and Ødegaard fit for the matchday squad after they were absent from the start of the open training session attended by media.

Saka returns to form as Arsenal's attack regains full strength

The return of Havertz and Ødegaard comes on the heels of Bukayo Saka's resurgence. Saka started a Premier League game for the first time since March 14, scoring and providing an assist in the 3-0 win over Fulham. Arteta emphasized the importance of having key players in top condition at this stage of the competition. “That’s what we need when we arrive at this stage of the competition,” Arteta 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.” In addition to the attacking reinforcements, Arteta confirmed that defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié are both available—a luxury the team has rarely enjoyed this season. “They are very different. We rarely had both of them available at the same time for long periods,” Arteta noted. “Now, they are both available and that’s a great option because they are so different.” The manager acknowledged that injuries have forced frequent changes, with players often asked to adapt to different positions.

Arteta issues rallying cry: 'Go out there like beasts'

With the tie finely poised after a 1-1 draw in Madrid, Arteta called on his players to seize the moment. “Go out there like beasts to enjoy the moment and go for it,” he said. The Spaniard urged his team to embrace the opportunity to reach a second Champions League final in the club's history. “Go and grab it. When you are in front of such an opportunity, it means that you are ready to deliver. And the team is going to go from the first minute to go and get that.” Arteta also confirmed that defender Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with what is understood to be a groin injury, further depleting defensive options. The head coach expressed confidence in his squad's readiness, noting the energy surrounding the club. “I can’t wait. I feel the energy in and amongst the team, our supporters. This is the moment that we want to live together. We have done a lot of work as a club, as a team, after 20 years to be in this position again. And we are so hungry to get the game that we want tomorrow, and go through to that final.”

Fan mobilization and historical stakes

Arsenal supporters are expected to gather outside the Armoury club shop at 17:45 to welcome the team bus, and a large tifo will be unveiled from the roof of the East Stand before kick-off. The atmosphere underscores the significance of the occasion: Arsenal have not reached a Champions League final since 2006, when they lost to Barcelona. A victory on Tuesday would put them one step away from European glory. The winner of this semi-final will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain, who meet in the opposite semi-final on Wednesday. Arteta’s side will need to overcome a resilient Atlético Madrid team that held them to a draw in the Spanish capital. The return of Havertz and Ødegaard provides Arsenal with the creative firepower to break down a typically stubborn Atlético defense.

Outlook: Arsenal's depth tested as they chase history

With Havertz and Ødegaard back in the squad, Arteta has the luxury of selecting from a nearly full-strength attacking lineup. The availability of Calafiori and Hincapié also gives him tactical flexibility in defense. However, the absence of Timber and the lingering injury concerns that have disrupted the season mean that squad rotation and adaptability will be key. Arteta’s rallying cry reflects the high stakes: Arsenal are 90 minutes away from a Champions League final, a feat that would mark the culmination of years of rebuilding under the Spaniard. The team's ability to perform under pressure, with key players returning from injury, will define their season. As the manager put it, “This is the moment that we want to live together.”

The bottom line

• Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard are fit and in the squad for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid.
• Bukayo Saka has returned to form, scoring and assisting in his first Premier League start since March 14.
• Defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié are both available for the first time in a long period, offering tactical options.
• Jurrien Timber is sidelined with a groin injury.
• Arsenal are aiming to reach their first Champions League final since 2006, with the winner facing Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.
• Mikel Arteta urged his players to 'go out there like beasts' and seize the opportunity.