Three Arsenal changes for Atletico Madrid as Mikel Arteta sweats on three fitness issues

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Three Arsenal changes for Atletico Madrid as Mikel Arteta sweats on three fitness issues

Arsenal are in Champions League semi-final action on Wednesday evening when they take on Atletico Madrid in Spain

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Mikel Arteta is expected to confirm the severity of Kai Havertz's injury in Madrid this evening when he previews Arsenal's Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico.

Havertz was forced off on Saturday in the 1-0 win over Newcastle and given we are rapidly approaching the final month of the season, there is concern about his potential lay-off and what it means for his involvement in both the Premier League and Europe.

Jurrien Timber is also edging closer to a comeback having missed the past six weeks with a groin issue sustained against Everton in March.

David Raya will start between the sticks then if Timber isn't ready, Cristhian Mosquera is ready to step in at right-back again after Ben White replaced him in the starting XI against Newcastle.

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At centre-back, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will attempt to lock Atletico down while Piero Hincapie should keep his place at left-back following an impressive display last Saturday.

In midfield, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard look shoo-ins in the centre of the park.

The attack is where things get slightly tricky as Arteta has a plethora of exciting options at his disposal.

Had Havertz been fit, there was every chance he would have led the line at the Wanda Metropolitano, however, Viktor Gyokeres should return to the fold despite his mixed showing against the Magpies.

Then it will be all about creativity and chance creation on the flanks and providing Eberechi Eze is fit as anticipated, he should play from the left against Atletico.

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The England international has flourished in a new role in recent weeks and will be keen to make a difference again in Spain following his show-stopper last weekend.

Gabriel Martinelli was seen clutching his hamstring following the full-time whistle so his availability has been cast into doubt, while Leandro Trossard has been out of favour lately.

Both players could be tasked with making an impact from the substitutes' bench as 'finishers' – just as they did earlier in the season in the Champions League against Athletic Club.

Bukayo Saka caught the eye when he made his long-awaited return from the bench and providing he came through unscathed, he should get the nod ahead of Noni Madueke on the right.

Potential Arsenal XI vs Atletico Madrid: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Eze, Gyokeres

Ryan Taylor

Ryan Taylor is a London-based Football Reporter who has worked across Reach's National titles since 2018. After graduating from the University of Brighton with a Sports Journalism degree, he previously climbed the ranks of the Daily Express, where he also covered boxing, before joining the Sunday Mirror as a Football Reporter in 2023. Ryan has developed a strong track record for breaking news on the London football beat.

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