Arsenal won 3-0 against Fulham without Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, but fans will be keen to see them back in time to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta provided positive news (Image: Haters TV)
Mikel Arteta is optimistic that Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz will win the race against time in time to face Atletico Madrid. It is understood Odegaard injured his knee in last week’s first leg in Spain before being substituted in the second half.
The Norwegian then missed Saturday’s 3-0 win over Fulham, while Havertz has now missed the last two games with a groin problem. The German suffered a muscle problem after setting up Eberechi Eze’s winning goal in the ninth minute against Newcastle on April 25.
But Arteta expects both players to be ready in time for the club’s bid to reach a first Champions League final since 2006, saying: “I think so, both of them. We will do everything we can to be ready for the game.”
Coming off their European exploits, Arsenal took a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Saturday. Viktor Gokeres scored twice and Bukayo Saka scored his first goal since returning from injury.
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Title rivals Manchester City have two games left, but Arsenal could maintain their lead on goal difference. And Arteta feels the nature of Fulham’s win will boost confidence in the dressing room.
“It says to us and to our dressing room that we keep living the dream,” Arteta said. “What they have done to win so many games, not just now, but throughout the season, is remarkable.
“Because I think that will help us on Tuesday. What we want to do now is use that momentum, energy and belief heading into Tuesday. This was an important game.
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Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard expected to return against Atletico Madrid (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“We understand the importance of winning and playing in the Premier League and the goal difference, because this game should have brought a lot of energy for the next game. This game was one of the biggest games in the history of this stadium and we will strive to make it happen.”
After Tuesday’s return leg against Atletico, the Gunners travel to West Ham next Sunday. The final league game will be at home against Burnley and away against Crystal Palace. If they reach the Champions League final, they will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the Hungarian capital Budapest on Saturday, May 30th.
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