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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Arsenal confirm huge double injury boost as key pair to return for Atletico Madrid clash

Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are both set to return to the Arsenal squad against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.

The Gunners host the Spanish side in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final tie after a 1-1 draw in Madrid a week ago.

Arsenal trained on Monday morning and there was no sign of Odegaard and Havertz, suggesting they would not be involved against Atletico.

However, Mikel Arteta confirmed at his pre-match press conference that the pair are expected to hand Arsenal a huge boost by making the squad.

"They're available, in the squad both of them," Arteta said.

"It's great. We need options, we need the capacity to play different games tomorrow, whether it's from the start or after.

"It's really, really good news for us to have them both back."

Odegaard has been suffering with knee discomfort after being forced off early in the second half against Atletico last week.

Havertz picked up a muscle injury against Newcastle ten days ago and looked devastated as he trudged off the pitch.

However, he avoided a serious issue and is now set to play some part in the second leg as Arsenal look to reach the Champions League final for just the second time in their history.

Jurrien Timber will not be involved against Atletico as his frustrating end to the season continues.

A groin injury has proved a persistent issue for the Dutchman, who last played in the win over Everton in mid-March.

Arteta suggested at the time that Timber would only be out for a "matter of days" but it is now approaching two months since he was last available.

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