Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on the fitness of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and midfielder Kai Havertz ahead of their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. Both players missed the Gunners' emphatic 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, but the manager is hopeful they will be available for Tuesday's showdown at the Emirates Stadium.
Injury concerns for key duo
Odegaard irritated his knee during the first leg in Spain last week and was substituted in the second half. The Norwegian playmaker subsequently sat out the Fulham match as a precaution. Meanwhile, Havertz has missed the last two games due to a groin issue sustained after setting up Eberechi Eze's winner against Newcastle on April 25. The German has been undergoing intensive treatment to be fit for the Atletico clash.
Speaking after the Fulham win, Arteta expressed confidence that both players would be ready. "I think so, the both of them. We're going to do everything we can to have them ready for the game," he said. The return of Odegaard and Havertz would be a major boost as Arsenal aim to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
Premier League title race heats up
Arsenal's victory over Fulham, courtesy of a brace from Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka's first goal since returning from injury, moved them six points clear at the top of the Premier League table. However, title rivals Manchester City have two games in hand and could overtake Arsenal on goal difference. Arteta believes the manner of the Fulham win will instil further belief in his squad.
"It says to us and toward our dressing room that we keep the dream alive. That what these guys have done, not now, but throughout the season to win that many games is remarkable," Arteta remarked. "Because I think it's going to help on Tuesday. What we want now is to use that momentum, energy and belief towards Tuesday. This was a critical game."
What lies ahead for Arsenal
After Tuesday's second leg against Atletico Madrid, Arsenal travel to West Ham next Sunday. Their final league fixtures include a home match against Burnley and an away game at Crystal Palace. Should they progress to the Champions League final, they would face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, May 30 in Budapest.
Arteta emphasised the significance of the upcoming match: "We know the importance of the win and the manner that we've done it and the goal difference in the Premier League and because this game was going to carry a lot of energy towards the next game, which is one of the biggest in the history of this stadium. We're going to try to make it happen."
With key players potentially returning, Arsenal fans have every reason to be optimistic about their chances of reaching the final and maintaining their title charge.
