Arsenal dealt Timber and Havertz injury blows ahead of Champions League trip to Madrid

Kai Havertz missed training on Tuesday ahead of Arsenal's trip to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League -Credit:Izzy Poles - AMA/Getty Images Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber appears highly unlikely to feature in his side's UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg showdown against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. The Dutch international, sidelined since March 14 after sustaining a groin injury against Everton, was absent from training alongside his teammates on Tuesday at the Gunners' facility, ahead of Mikel Arteta's team departing for the Spanish capital. Kai Havertz was also missing after being forced off with a muscular problem on Saturday against Newcastle United, though there is cautious optimism that he has avoided serious damage and could still contribute for the Gunners during the run-in, as per football.

london . Italian officials slam ‘shameful’ proposal from Trump envoy for Azzuri to replace Iran at World Cup FIFA World Cup host county planning free transportation for select fans Jurrien Timber still hasn't returned to training since picking up an injury in mid-March -Credit:Alex Pantling/Getty Images On a more positive note for Arsenal, Ebere Eze has escaped injury despite being substituted early in the second half against the Magpies, following his superb curling finish. Gabriel Martinelli and Riccardo Calafiori were both spotted training with the team.

Martinelli was seen clutching his hamstring at full-time last weekend, raising concerns that he may have picked up a problem. Calafiori had been tipped by Mikel Arteta to make the team against Newcastle but was ultimately left out despite arriving at the Emirates Stadium with his teammates. The Italian fullback now appears to have fully recovered from a knock sustained during the 1-0 quarter-final first-leg victory over Sporting CP in Portugal.

Mikel Merino remains sidelined, although there is optimism he could still feature in Arsenal's determined push for the Double. Atletico Madrid have welcomed multiple injury returns ahead of Wednesday's marquee game at the Wanda Metropolitano. Striker Julian Alvarez confirmed he is "100 per cent" ready to start after recovering from a recent fitness concern, while Ademola Lookman and defender David Hancko have resumed training.