Photo via @FabrizioRomano on X

What happened: Mikel Arteta confirmed Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are both back in the Arsenal squad ahead of the match against Atletico Madrid. Both players had been absent from a recent training session, raising concern over their availability. Arteta told reporters both are in contention to feature.

Why it matters: Havertz and Odegaard are central to Arsenal's attacking structure, and their return tightens Arteta's options at a critical stage of the season. Odegaard's creativity and Havertz's versatility through the middle give Arsenal a fuller midfield-to-attack pivot against a disciplined Atletico side. The recall follows recent uncertainty over a Havertz niggle Arteta had downplayed.

What to watch: Watch the team sheet at kickoff to see whether Havertz and Odegaard start or are held in reserve. Arteta's in-game usage will signal how close each is to full sharpness.

Sources