Arsenal get double injury boost as Havertz and Odegaard return for decisive Atletico Madrid clash

Key facts

• Kai Havertz missed the first leg in Madrid and the 3-0 win over Fulham with a muscular problem.
• Martin Odegaard was forced off after an hour in the first leg due to a knee issue and missed the Fulham match.
• Bukayo Saka started a Premier League game for the first time since March 14, scoring and assisting against 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.
• Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie are both available, a rare occurrence this season.
• The second leg will be played at Arsenal Stadium (Emirates) on Tuesday evening.

Arteta confirms key duo available for semi-final decider

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are available for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. The Arsenal manager announced the returns on Monday evening at Arsenal Stadium, saying both players are in the squad. "Yes, they are available," Arteta said. "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." Havertz missed the first leg in Madrid and Saturday's 3-0 Premier League win over Fulham after pulling up with a muscular problem in the 1-0 victory against Newcastle. Odegaard, the captain, was forced off after an hour in the first leg as his ongoing knee issue flared up, and he also missed the Fulham match.

Saka's return adds firepower as Arteta hails depth

The returns of Havertz and Odegaard come just days after Bukayo Saka started a Premier League game for the first time since March 14. Saka scored and assisted in the win over Fulham, demonstrating his readiness for the decisive European night. "That's what we need when we arrive at this stage of the competition," Arteta said of Saka. "The players not only have to be available, but to be in top condition and make the difference. Bukayo will certainly give us that." Arteta also highlighted the availability of defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, noting that the pair offer very different qualities. "We rarely had both of them available at the same time for long periods," he said. "Now, they are both available and that's a great option because they are so different."

Timber and Merino remain absent as injury list lingers

Despite the positive news, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain sidelined. Timber has not featured since the League Cup final on March 22 due to an ankle injury. Arteta previously said the Dutchman is "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 is continuing his recovery after surgery on a fractured foot sustained in January, and faces a race against time to feature in the final month of the season. The absences mean Arteta has had to make several changes this season, with players being challenged to play in different positions.

Tie finely poised after 1-1 draw in Madrid

The second leg comes after last week's first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Madrid, leaving the tie finely balanced. Arsenal will have the advantage of playing at home, where they have been strong this season. Arteta is expected to face the media at the Emirates on Monday evening, where he will likely be asked for further updates on the absentees. The manager is known for being cagey with information, especially with Diego Simeone's Atletico known for their tactical preparation.

Injuries have forced Arteta to adapt throughout season

Arsenal's campaign has been marked by a series of injuries that have tested the squad's depth. Arteta has had to rotate frequently, with key players missing significant periods. The returns of Havertz and Odegaard provide a timely boost as the club pursues both Premier League and Champions League glory. In the Premier League, Arsenal are in a tight title race. If they beat West Ham on Sunday, they will win the league, according to pundit Jamie Carragher, who commented after Everton's 3-3 draw with Manchester City. The Champions League represents another path to silverware, and Arteta will be eager to make the most of his strengthened squad.

Arteta faces tactical decisions for decisive night

With Havertz and Odegaard available, Arteta must decide whether to start them or introduce them from the bench. Both players have been out for a short period, but their fitness levels will be assessed carefully. The manager emphasized the need for options and the ability to play different types of games. "We need the capacity to play different games tomorrow, whether it's from the start or after," Arteta said. The availability of Calafiori and Hincapie also gives Arteta tactical flexibility at the back, allowing him to adapt to Atletico's style. The match promises to be a tense affair, with a place in the Champions League final at stake.

The bottom line

• Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are available for the Champions League semi-final second leg after missing recent matches through injury.
• Bukayo Saka has returned to form, starting a Premier League game for the first time since March 14 and contributing a goal and assist against Fulham.
• Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain out, with Timber sidelined since March 22 and Merino recovering from foot surgery.
• Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie are both fit, offering Arteta rare defensive options with contrasting styles.
• The tie is level at 1-1 after the first leg in Madrid, setting up a decisive home match for Arsenal.
• Arsenal's Premier League title hopes hinge on beating West Ham on Sunday, following Everton's draw with Manchester City.