UCL, Arsenal: several players doubtful for the showdown against Atlético Madrid.
On the eve of a decisive clash with Atlético Madrid, Arsenal saw several senior players miss training, including captain Ødegaard and Kai Havertz. The situation is being watched closely, as Bukayo Saka’s return offers a note of optimism for Mikel Arteta.
A few days before a highly anticipated Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid, Arsenal’s training was marked by several notable absences on Monday. Captain Martin Ødegaard, as well as Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino, were not seen at the public session, fueling questions about their availability. After Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 win over Fulham FC in the league, Mikel Arteta had sounded fairly confident regarding Ødegaard and Havertz being available for the visit of the Madrid club. Their absence from the pitch this Monday, however, casts a slight doubt, even though no final decision has yet been announced.
Timber and Merino, for their part, continue their convalescence after long-term injuries. Their return is not expected in the immediate future, although the London staff hopes to have them back by the end of the season. In this context, there was a glimmer of good news with Bukayo Saka’s presence at training. Having recently returned to competition against Fulham, the English winger is continuing his rise as Arsenal prepares to play a crucial qualifier for the European final.
