Full Breakdown
Arsenal Face Atletico Madrid with Key Injuries Ahead of the Champions League Semi-Final
5/1/2026, 12:38:58 AM
Arsenal’s Squad Situation for the April 29 Semi-Final
On Wednesday, April 29 2026 Arsenal will host the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that several first-team regulars remain unavailable, while others have been cleared to travel. The injury picture directly shapes Arsenal’s tactical options for a tie that decides which side will meet either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final.
Injury Landscape Ahead of the Semi-Final
- Kai Havertz – foot/ankle problem (source 5) and later described as a groin “muscular niggle” (source 18). Arteta announced he is out for the match; return dates vary between May 10 vs West Ham (source 12) and May 18 vs Burnley (source 18).
- Eberechi Eze – knocked out after ten minutes of the second half against Newcastle United (source 10). Arteta confirmed he will be fit for the Atletico clash, with an expected return on April 29 (sources 1, 4, 9, 18).
- Riccardo Calafiori – missed the Newcastle game but was “very close” to returning (source 6). Arteta confirmed his availability for the semi-final, and he appeared as an unused substitute in the first leg (source 16).
- Jurrien Timber – knee injury sustained in March; out for six weeks (sources 7, 14). Arteta stated he is not in the squad and gave no firm timeline (source 7). Some reports list an expected return on April 29 (source 19), creating a discrepancy.
- Mikel Merino – fractured foot requiring surgery (source 8). Arteta called it “premature” to predict a return, though a projected comeback on May 24 vs Crystal Palace appears in later updates (source 19).
Official Statements & Responses
Arteta repeatedly emphasized a cautious approach to player health. He confirmed Havertz’s exclusion, described Timber’s status as “not in the squad” and “unknown” regarding his readiness, and highlighted that Eze and Calafiori have cleared medical checks for the Madrid fixture. Regarding Merino, Arteta noted the player is “evolving really well” but that it is “a bit early” to set a return date. Overall, the manager stressed balancing squad depth with fitness considerations as the club pursues both domestic and European objectives.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Havertz’s return: one source cites a potential comeback on May 10, another lists May 18, while Arteta’s immediate comment simply labels him “out.”
- Timber’s timeline: some outlets project a return by the semi-final (source 19), yet Arteta’s press briefing leaves the date “unknown.”
- Calafiori’s recent involvement: earlier reports mention three consecutive absences, whereas later statements confirm his availability and his presence on the bench in the first leg.
- Merino’s recovery: the exact date of return remains unconfirmed, with only a speculative May 24 target appearing in later updates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kai is out.” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
- “Jurrien is not in the squad,” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
- “We don't know yet, he is doing some stuff on the pitch at the moment. He needs to do some more things before he can compete with us.” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
- “He was very close. But we have certain players that are coming back from injuries and can play certain moments as well, and we need to be balanced in what we need to.” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
- “It's a bit premature to say that [he will play again this season]. He's evolving really well he's really pushing every boundary that he possibly can but it's a bit early to answer that question.” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
- “Lets see, at the moment they have to be looked after but hopefully they're going to be okay.” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
What’s Next
Arsenal travel to Madrid for the semi-final first leg on April 29, with the outcome determining a place in the final. The Premier League fixture against Fulham follows on May 2, offering a chance for any returning players to regain match fitness. Monitoring Havertz’s rehabilitation, Timber’s recovery progress, and Merino’s foot surgery will be crucial as the Gunners aim to secure both domestic league leadership and a European trophy.
