Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard are both ready to play against Atlético Madrid in the decisive Champions League semi-final tonight Tuesday. – It means trouble for Atletico Madrid who have nowhere to go on.
– Both are back: Arteta confirms Havertz and Ødegaard ready for Champions League drama
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the first-team injury status ahead of the second Champions League semi-final against Atlético Madrid on Arsenal’s side.
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Kai Havertz sat out the first meeting in Madrid, as well as Saturday’s 3-0 win over Fulham. Martin Ødegaard had to come off against Atlético last week and missed the weekend’s game. Now the manager confirms that both are ready for the decisive second leg.
“Yes, they are available”
“Both are in the squad. We need alternatives. We need the opportunity to play different types of games tomorrow – either from the start or as a substitute. So it’s really, really good news for us to have them both back.
Saka also back in shape
Kai and Martin return just a few days after Bukayo Saka. He started his first league game since March 14 when he scored and set up a goal against Fulham.
“That’s exactly what we need when we get to this stage of the tournament,” the manager said of Bukayo.
“The players must not only be available, they must be in top shape and make a difference. Bukayo will definitely give us that.
Luxury problem in defence
It’s not just in attack that Mikel has more options. Both Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié are available – a luxury Arsenal haven’t seen very often this season.
“They are very different. We have rarely had both available at the same time for long periods of time. Then we become more limited in relation to the opponent and the connection we can create throughout the match – or which teammates we can choose from.
“Now both are available, and it’s a fantastic option, because they’re so different.
More have stepped forward
Injuries have forced the manager to make several changes this season, and players have been challenged in various positions. Myles Lewis-Skelly stepped into midfield in the win over Fulham and put in a fantastic performance.
On his potential selection problem, the manager said:
“I know Myles. But the same goes for Myles, the same goes for Ricky, all the players – Mosca when he’s been involved – a lot of players.
“So that’s a good thing. We have always talked about that in this phase we need players with a good emotional state. I think that will decide the rest. And we feel very good before tomorrow.
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Duo ready for the second leg
On Tuesday evening, Arsenal will face Atlético Madrid at home in the other semi-final of the Champions League. Before the dramatic return, Arteta has two highly anticipated news for the club’s supporters.
Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard are both ready to play.
– Missed the weekend’s games
Havertz sat out the first CL meeting, as well as Saturday’s win over Fulham in the Premier League. Ødegaard also missed the weekend’s 3-0 win in the league.
The first meeting between the teams ended 1–1. In the other semi-final, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain will meet. The French team won the first leg 5-4 at home, and on Wednesday the return leg will be played in Germany.
For Arsenal, it’s all about finishing the job at home at the Emirates,
