Arsenal XI vs Atletico Madrid: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·29 aprile 2026

Arsenal XI vs Atletico Madrid: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League

Mikel Arteta makes a big call as Gunners head to Spain for semi-final first leg

The Gunners have travelled to the Metropolitano Stadium to take on Diego Simeone's side, who they beat 4-0 in the league phase of the competition in October.

However, while Mikel Arteta confirmed that Eze is fit and available, the Spaniard is remaining be cautious with his fitness.

OneFootball Video

Gabriel Martinelli has scored six goals in the Champions League this season and is handed a start on the left wing, offering more pace on the counter-attack.

Kai Havertz is out with the muscular injury he picked up against Newcastle, though that injury is not believed to be a serious one.

With the German out, Viktor Gyokeres gets the nod to lead the line over Gabriel Jesus.

Eberechi Eze has shrugged off an injury ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Atletico Madrid

Getty

Bukayo Saka is denied a first start in more than a month having recovered from an Achilles injury. The winger looked sharp in a brief cameo off the bench last time out and Arteta has resisted the temptation to through him in from the beginning.

Jurrien Timber has not returned to training and will be absent once again. Arteta admitted at his press conference that he does not know when the Dutchman will return.