Arsenal are back in action on Wednesday evening when they take on Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. The Gunners picked up a big win over Newcastle United in the Premier League over the weekend, and attention now turns back to the Champions League as Mikel Arteta’s men look to pull off a double.
Atleti have been in poor league form for much of this season, currently fourth and looking as though they will stay there, currently five points behind Villarreal with five games remaining. Los Rojiblancos have played twice in the last week, losing to Elche and beating Athletic Club since their penalty shootout defeat in the Copa del Rey final.
But Diego Simeone’s men have been in fine form in the Champions League, beating Barcelona in the last round, and this is going to be a tough tie for Arsenal as they look to book their place in the final against either Bayern Munich or holders PSG.
Here we round up all the latest injury news surrounding both sides ahead of the first leg in Madrid.
Pablo Barrios – Out
Barrios has a thigh injury that will keep him out until some point in May.
Nicolás González – Out
González picked up a fresh thigh issue over the weekend and will be out for a couple of weeks, at least.
José María Giménez – Out
Giménez is closing in on a return from a muscular issue, but he remains out for now.
Dávid Hancko – Fit
Hancko has returned from an ankle issue and will be available.
Ademola Lookman – Fit
One of Atleti’s most dangerous players, Lookman will be available after an adductor issue.
Mikel Merino – Out
Merino could be out for the season after undergoing surgery earlier in the year, although it’s not out of the question that he returns for the last game of the season. Arteta said recently: “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. He’s got no pain… I’m sure there is a chance to make that period shorter.”
Jurrien Timber – Out
Arteta said in his pre-match press conference: “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.”
Kai Havertz – Out
Arteta has not explained the nature of the Havertz injury, but he has confirmed that the German cannot play in this game.
Eberechi Eze – Fit
Eze has been confirmed as fit after a knock.
Riccardo Calafiori – Fit
Calafiori has also come through a knock and has been confirmed as fit.
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