Mikel Arteta has decided to bench both Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz in Arsenal's Champions League semi-final showdown with Atletico Madrid.
It is all to play for at the Emirates Stadium this evening, after a 1-1 draw in Spain last week, as the Gunners look to reach their second Champions League final, 20 years on from their last.
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Odegaard and Havertz had been major doubts for the match after missing training on Monday, but Arteta revealed at his pre-match press conference later in the day that both would be involved.
"Yeah, they're available and in the squad both of them," Arteta said. "Great because 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."
However, Jurrien Timber has not recovered in time from a groin injury and remains unavailable.
Arsenal produced their best performance in recent months against Fulham on Saturday and Arteta has decided to stick with the same XI from the off.
Bukayo Saka was replaced at half-time in that match to ensure he was ready to face Atletico and Viktor Gyokeres keeps his place after scoring two goals and registering an assist.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was very impressive in midfield against Fulham and retains his starting berth.
Riccardo Calafiori looked sharp in that win last time out and keeps his place, and so does Ben White.
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, Havertz, Odegaard, Norgaard, Jesus, Martinelli, Zubimendi, Dowman, Madueke, Hincapie, Setford
Injured: Merino, Timber
Time and date: 8pm BST today, Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
How to watch: Amazon Prime Video
