Arsenal sweat over Odegaard, Havertz and Timber ahead of Atletico Madrid second leg

Arsenal’s injury room shows no sign of clearing up, with three of Mikel Arteta’s most important players now major doubts for the Champions League visit of Atletico Madrid to the Emirates Stadium.

Key Arsenal trio miss Monday training: Will they face Atleti?

Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber did not train on the pitch at London Colney alongside the rest of the squad, raising serious questions about their availability for the second leg of the Champions League semifinal.

All three are now considered unlikely to feature, pending Mikel Arteta’s scheduled pre-match press conference, set for 6:50 p.m. local time (12:50 p.m. ET)..

Odegaard, the club captain, started the first leg at the Metropolitano but was forced off shortly after the start of the second half after picking a knee issue.

Havertz concern adds to attacking problems

Kai Havertz began suffering with muscle problems in the Premier League match immediately before the first leg, leaving Arsenal short of options in attack.

Arteta had previously offered a cautious update, saying, “We hope he will be available for Atletico,” but that optimism now appears uncertain.

Gyökeres set for key role

Without the German forward, Viktor Gyökeres is expected to lead the line again after scoring twice in Arsenal’s Premier League match against Fulham last weekend.

The Swedish striker’s recent form could prove crucial as Arsenal look to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. His performance last weekend has strengthened his case to start once more in a high-stakes European night at the Emirates.

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