Arsenal captain Odegaard and striker Havertz remain doubtful for second leg against Atletico

Arsenal not favourites to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix

For Arsenal’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, Mikel Arteta expects to be encouraged by the return of two important players. On Tuesday night, the Gunners will host their Spanish rivals at the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of their semifinal match.

The two clubs battled out a 1-1 draw in the first leg, which was dominated by penalties—two were awarded and one was not. After David Hancko fouled Viktor Gyokeres for the first penalty kick, Ben White was deemed to have handled the ball for the second, which Julian Alvarez converted.

When the referee pointed to the penalty spot for a foul on Eberechi Eze, Hancko was once more the guilty party. However, VAR suggested a review and the judgement was reversed. Arteta thinks that both Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard will be able to return at the Emirates, but it still puts the tie in the balance.

Odegaard missed Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Fulham due to a knee ailment, and Havertz hasn’t played since last month’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle due to a “muscular niggle”.

Arsenal injury latest on Saka, Havertz, Odegaard for Atletico’s 2nd leg

Against Fulham on Saturday, Bukayo Saka made a strong comeback to the starting lineup. He led the team to a commanding 3-0 first-half performance before being substituted at halftime. Mikel Arteta stated that Saka’s fitness was the reason for the early substitution, although he also hinted that the winger was feeling better presently.

Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, who both missed Saturday’s game, are the other two significant injury worries for Tuesday’s match. Arteta informed the reporters that he believes they will both return on Tuesday and that the club will make every effort to make that happen.

Arteta told beIN SPORTS, “I think so; both of them are going to do everything. we’re going to do everything to have them ready for the game.” Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber are Arsenal’s only other injured players. Both Timber and Merino will probably miss Tuesday’s game. Timber attended the game on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium. There are rumours that he may play before the season ends, but it doesn’t appear that he will be ready anytime soon.