Arsenal had Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Riccardo Calafiori in training before Atletico Madrid, but Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber were absent.
Arsenal have been handed a mixed injury update ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, with Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Riccardo Calafiori all involved in open training on Tuesday morning.
Mikel Arteta’s side trained before travelling to Spain for Wednesday’s first leg, giving an early indication of the squad picture after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United. The session was open to the media, with several players returning to the group, but two notable absences remained.
Eze’s involvement is the most significant boost after he came off during the second half against Newcastle. The midfielder scored the only goal of the game at the Emirates, drilling Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League, but his withdrawal raised concern ahead of the trip to Madrid.
Following the win against Newcastle, Eze played down the issue. Asked how he was, he said he was “all good” and explained that the substitution was “just precaution.” His presence in training supports that initial assessment and suggests he remains in contention to face Atletico.
Martinelli was also involved in the session. The winger had been seen holding his hamstring after the full-time whistle against Newcastle, but his involvement in training suggests he has avoided a significant problem. That is another important boost for Arteta, with Martinelli Arsenal’s top scorer in the Champions League this season and also second in the squad for assists in the competition. His availability gives Arsenal another major attacking option before a week that could shape their season across Europe and the Premier League.
Calafiori’s return to training also offers encouragement. The defender was in the squad against Newcastle after a spell out and now appears to be moving closer to full involvement. His availability would give Arsenal extra flexibility on the left side of defence, particularly with the games coming quickly.
There was less positive news on Havertz and Timber. Havertz came off in the first half against Newcastle, with Arteta later describing the issue as a “little niggle” and saying Arsenal would wait to see how serious it was. He was not seen in the open section of training on Tuesday.
Timber was also absent. The defender missed the Newcastle game and has still not been spotted with the group, leaving his availability for Atletico in doubt.
Arteta is expected to provide a fuller update in his pre-match press conference later today, but the early signs are mixed. Eze, Martinelli and Calafiori training is a boost, while Havertz and Timber remain the main concerns before Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg.