Mikel Arteta faces a number of selection worries ahead of travelling to Madrid to face Atlético in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday
Mikel Arteta is having to deal with a significant injury headache ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atlético Madrid, with the physical toll of the victory over Newcastle United leaving several key starters in doubt.
The Gunners head to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday, but Arteta’s selection options could be limited due to a rapidly filling medical room.
The most discouraging news involves Kai Havertz, who was forced from the field after just 30 minutes at the Emirates. The German international, who provided the assist for the opening goal, appeared to sustain a muscle tear that has left his presence in Spain very much up in the air.
His absence would be a major blow to Mikel Arteta’s tactical flexibility, as Havertz has become an undisputed link between the midfield and the attack following his return from injury.
Caution surrounding Eze and defensive worries
Eberechi Eze’s condition is also a primary worry for the board, despite the player’s own positive post-match assessment. The England international, who netted the winner against the Magpies, was substituted as a precaution but assured supporters he was “fine.”
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Given the high-stakes nature of a European semi-final, Arteta is likely to wait until the final training session in Madrid before making a definitive call on his star playmaker.
“In relation to the two players [Havertz and Eze], there are muscular niggles,” Arteta said after the Newcastle clash. We don’t think it’s too much. We have to wait and see if they’re going to be available for Wednesday.”
The crisis extends to the defensive unit, where both Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are facing a race against time to be included in the travelling party.
Neither defender featured in the matchday squad on Saturday, and their continued absence would rob Arsenal of the presence and range required to nullify Atlético‘s aerial threat. Furthermore, it should be noted that Mikel Merino remains sidelined through injury.
In an encouraging turn for the travelling faithful, Bukayo Saka successfully returned to action as a substitute against Newcastle, providing a much-needed boost to the offensive rotation.
With the status of Havertz and Eze uncertain, Arteta still possesses a deep pool of talent including Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli, and Noni Madueke to form his frontline.
