![\"Julian](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_Atletico-de-Madrid-v-Arsenal-FC-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-Semi-Final-First-Leg.jpg\")
<\/p>\nArsenal need to beat Atletico Madrid if they are to book their place in the Champions League final, and Mikel Arteta is set to have some key players back available at the Emirates<\/p>\n
09:54, 05 May 2026Updated 10:03, 05 May 2026<\/p>\n
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Julian Alvarez sparked injury fears after the first leg against Arsenal.(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Arsenal have been handed the advantage in the Premier League title race but their focus turns to booking a place in the Champions League final. The Gunners host Spanish giants Atletico Madrid on Tuesday (May 5), looking to reach the tournament’s major final for the first time since 2006.<\/p>\n
The injury list for the North London club looks like it is easing at a crucial time for Mikel Arteta’s side with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz included in the squad to face the La Liga outfit. The Premier League leaders are locked into a battle with Atletico after the two sides couldn’t be separated during the first leg in Madrid, which ended 1-1.<\/p>\n
A spot in the final in Budapest is at stake with either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich set to follow into the showpiece when one of the European juggernauts bows out after their enthralling tie.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Arsenal and Man City’s remaining fixtures compared as Premier League title race takes major twist<\/a>READ MORE: How many points Arsenal need to win Premier League title after Man City slip up<\/a><\/p>\n Atletico Madrid faced concerns after Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone were forced off during the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano; however, they have both been included in the squad.<\/p>\n Pablo Barrios and Nico Gonzalez are the only two players to miss out on the squad travelling to London, while Marcos Llorente and David Hancko have been included after missing out on the win over Valencia.<\/p>\n Diego Simeone said: “Julian Alvarez is important in this game because he knows the English league very well.<\/p>\n “He played really well last week and I hope he can bring what he needs in the game tomorrow.”<\/p>\n FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n For the hosts, they are set to be without Jurrien Timber after the Holland full-back missed the win over Fulham. Timber \u2013 who has an ankle problem \u2013 has been sidelined since mid-March and while the hope was to see him back for the run-in, he is likely to be unavailable for the visit of Atletico.<\/p>\n Kai Havertz was taken off against Newcastle United with an injury but Arteta confirmed that he will be back in the squad.<\/p>\n The same goes for Martin Odegaard who has been plagued by issues this season but he is in line to make a comeback despite missing the 3-0 win over the Cottagers on Saturday.<\/p>\n Mikel Merino will watch on from the sidelines as he continues his recovery from a fractured foot. The Spaniard required surgery on the issue and although he is edging closer, he is still expected to miss out.<\/p>\n The Arsenal head coach said: “He’s another one that is going to push every boundary. He’s out of his boot now. He’s doing quite a lot of exercises already. He’s reacted really well to the surgery.<\/p>\n “He’s got no pain… I’m sure there is a chance to make that period shorter.”<\/p>\n Watch Arsenal vs Atl\u00e9tico Madrid for free<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a38.99<\/p>\n FREE<\/p>\n Amazon<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_Prime-Champions-Leaguejfif.jpg\"\/)
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