He Arsenal He will travel to the Metropolitano with the infirmary fully involved in the previous one. Four days away from measuring Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League, Mikel Arteta saw how Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze, two attacking pieces, they had to ask for a change against Newcastle. The victory reinforced the team in the Premier, although it left a physical toll that in London is already looking at the European duel with direct concern.
The most delicate situation points to Havertz. The German left half an hour into the game and left signs of a problem that could keep him out of the match against Atlético. There is a lack of definitive evidence and official confirmation from the club, so his presence at the Metropolitano remains very much up in the air. Before leaving the field he had been the protagonist: from his boots came the assist to Eze in the 1-0 action.
Eze’s case requires more caution.
The England international, scorer of the goal against Newcastle, was also replaced during the match. After the meeting he assured that he was fine, a message that reduces the initial shock. At Arsenal, even so, they do not forget that he already said something similar on another occasion and then ended up missing the Cup final.
It doesn’t seem like a mishap as clear as that of Havertz, although its status is pending evolution and without too many certainties.
Arteta already had the report loaded before this double concern. Mikel Merino is safe for the match against Atlético. The Spanish midfielder remains out of action and will not be in the Metropolitano, an absence that deprives Arsenal of its presence, route and job in the midfield.
The defense is also affected. Calafiori y Timber They are very probable casualties. Neither of them was this Saturday against Newcastle and their presence in Madrid seems complicated. The Gunner team faces a highly demanding event with doubts behind it, right in front of an Atlético team used to punishing any physical or emotional crack on the big European nights.
Saka returns, the doubt grows
The good news for Arteta was the return of Bukayo Saka, who once again had minutes and expanded the offensive options. With Havertz very affected and Eze in cotton wool, the coach still has Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, Trossard, Dowman and Saka himself to rebuild the attacking front. The blow, even so, is evident: the couple who scored the goal against Newcastle ended up in the area of doubt.
Arsenal won and left the game with more questions than answers. Atlético, who have added Julián Álvarez as a possible casualty, are waiting in the capital of Spain. The previous one will be marked by the infirmary
