Mikel Arteta has spoken out in his press conference on Arsenal’s team news heading into their Champions League semi-final first leg with Atletico Madrid
Arsenal have been given a welcome boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid with Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori set to return to the matchday squad.
Mikel Arteta’s side are set to face the La Liga outfit in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final this evening and several key players were doubts for the game.
Arsenal suffered three injury scares during the win over Newcastle, with Havertz, Eze and Martin Zubimendi withdrawn.
It’s a huge game for the Gunners, with the winner of the two-legged tie facing either PSG or Bayern Munich in the final.
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football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal injury news and return dates after Arteta’s pre-match press conference ahead of Atletico Madrid:
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze netted the winner against Newcastle and won the Player of the Match award but was withdrawn after picking up a knock just 10 minutes after the half-time interval.
While supporters may have feared the versatile attacking-midfielder faced a spell on the treatment table, Eze was swift to address his condition with Sky Sports following the final whistle.
He said: “Yeah, I’m alright. I’m all good,” before adding: “Just precaution, didn’t want to do anything. Yeah, I’ll be okay.”
Arteta has since revealed he’ll be back in the squad for the game this evening.
Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico Madrid (A)
Kai Havertz
Havertz was by Viktor Gyokeres just 35 minutes into the clash with Newcastle United, receiving treatment on the turf before being withdrawn by Arteta and departing directly down the tunnel for further examination on foot.
Speaking after that game, Arteta said of Havertz and Eze: “Lets see, at the moment they have to be looked after but hopefully they’re going to be okay.”
However, during his pre-match press conference ahead of Atletico Arteta said: “Kai is out.”
Potential return date: Sat, May 2nd vs Fulham (H)
Riccardo Calafiori
The Italian was left out of the squad to face Newcastle United with Arteta admitting the defender was close to a return. The Gunners boss said: “He was very close. But we have certain players that are coming back from injuries and can play certain moments as well, and we need to be balanced in what we need to.”
In a welcome boost for Arsenal, Arteta revealed that he would be fit to face Atletico Madrid.
Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico Madrid (A)
Jurrien Timber
Despite some confusion in the pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed Jurrien Timber would be absent from the squad in Madrid.
“Jurrien is not in the squad,” Arteta said, before he was probed on a potential return timeline. He continued: “We don’t know yet, he is doing some stuff on the pitch at the moment. He needs to do some more things before he can compete with us.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Mikel Merino
While the Spaniard may yet feature before the curtain comes down on the season, Arteta has been guarded about setting any timeline for Merino’s comeback.
Arteta recently said: “It’s a bit premature to say that [he will play again this season]. He’s evolving really well he’s really pushing every boundary that he possibly can but it’s a bit early to answer that question.”
Potential return date: Unknown
