Arsenal injury update: Havertz, Timber, Calafiori, Eze, Merino

Arsenal’s season is at a crossroads as they enter the first leg of their Champions League semifinal against Atlético Madrid in Spain.

A little over a month ago, Mikel Arteta’s team had realistic hopes of winning four trophies. Since then, they have lost the Carabao Cup final, suffered a shock FA Cup exit, and squandered a big lead at the top of the Premier League, where they are now locked in a tight battle with Manchester City.

Although it feels as if momentum has slipped away, winning the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history would, of course, flip the narrative around Arsenal’s season.

Injury updates give Arteta mixed news

There is both good and bad news for Arteta and Arsenal on the selection front.

Attacking duo Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze both had to come off in Saturday’s nail-biting victory over Newcastle at the Emirates. The German forward is not expected to feature in Madrid because of a groin injury, although it is hoped he will be able to play again at some point before the end of the season.

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Eze, meanwhile, insisted after the weekend clash that he was replaced early in the second half as a precaution following a recent calf issue, with Arteta later confirming he would be available to face Atlético.

Riccardo Calafiori had been expected to return from a knee injury against Newcastle but ultimately was not included in the matchday squad. Like Eze, the Italian was a full participant in training on Tuesday and is in contention to play in Madrid.

Jurrien Timber, who has not played for over a month, is back doing limited training but is not yet ready to return to first-team action, while Mikel Merino remains absent with a stress fracture in his foot. The Spaniard is hopeful of featuring again this season, although there are no guarantees.

Atlético Madrid vs Arsenal: kickoff time and how to watch

In the first leg of the 2025/26 Champions League semifinals, Atlético Madrid host Arsenal today, Wednesday, April 29, at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT.

Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game live on CBS, Paramount+, TUDN USA, DAZN USA, Univisión, and ViX.

You can also follow live-text coverage of Atlético vs Arsenal here at AS USA. William Allen will begin build-up about 90 minutes before kickoff, before providing play-by-play commentary of the semifinal first leg.

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