Full Breakdown
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: Injury Updates and Stakes Ahead of Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg
5/6/2026, 5:47:55 PM
The Decisive Second Leg at the Emirates
Arsenal host Atletico Madrid on 5 May 2024 in the Champions League semi-final second leg. The first leg in Madrid finished 1-1, leaving the tie level. A win in London sends the Gunners to the Budapest final, where they could meet Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich.
Background & Context
Arsenal entered as Premier League leaders and the only English club still in a quadruple hunt. The team has not reached a Champions League final since 2006 and has already exited the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Their European unbeaten run now totals 14 matches.
Returning and Missing Players
Captain Martin Ødegaard and attacker Kai Havertz, both recovering from knock injuries, are cleared to play. Ødegaard missed the 3-0 win over Fulham with a knee problem; Havertz was sidelined by a groin issue against Newcastle United. Left-back Jurrien Timber (groin/hip) and midfielder Mikel Merino (broken foot) remain unavailable.
Data Snapshot
First-leg result: 1-1. Champions League unbeaten streak: 14 matches. Injured Arsenal players for the fixture: Ødegaard, Havertz, Timber, Merino.
Official Statements & Responses
Arteta said the return of Ødegaard and Havertz expands the team's tactical flexibility. He noted that Timber is close to returning but his availability for the match is still uncertain. Atletico coach Diego Simeone highlighted Julian Alvarez’s experience in English football as an asset.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Timber’s return is listed as 10 May by Sporting News and 18 May by Sports Illustrated. Merino’s comeback is reported as 24 May in one source and “by the end of May” in another. Neither club has confirmed Timber’s availability for the second leg.
Why It Matters
A win would deliver Arsenal’s first Champions League final since 2006 and preserve the chance of a league-and-Europe double or a historic quadruple. It also influences the Premier League title race, potentially extending Arsenal’s lead over Manchester City.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
- “we need the capacity to play different games, whether it’s from the start or after. So it’s really, really good news for us to have them both back.” — Mikel Arteta
- “we will see.” — Mikel Arteta (on Ødegaard’s fitness)
What’s Next
The winner advances to the Budapest final on 1 June. Arsenal’s upcoming league fixtures include decisive matches against Manchester City and Liverpool, while Atletico will refocus on La Liga. Both clubs will continue to monitor the fitness of their remaining injured players as the season draws to a close.
