Injury Crisis Hits Emirates: Odegaard and Havertz Absent from Final Training

The Arsenal camp has been thrown into a state of high anxiety as four key players were notably absent from the team's final open training session at London Colney on Monday morning. Captain Martin Odegaard and striker Kai Havertz lead the list of absentees. Odegaard is reportedly nursing a knee injury sustained during the first leg in Madrid, while Havertz continues to struggle with a muscular problem that has kept him out of the last two domestic fixtures.

Manager Mikel Arteta now faces a tactical headache ahead of the most significant European night at the Emirates Stadium in nearly two decades. In addition to the attacking duo, Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury and Mikel Merino is still out of action due to a long-term foot issue. While Arteta had previously expressed optimism regarding the availability of Odegaard and Havertz, their failure to participate in the final group session suggests that at best, they may only be fit enough for a place on the substitutes' bench.

Despite the defensive and midfield concerns, there was a glimmer of hope as Bukayo Saka was pictured training with the first team. The star winger had been withdrawn as a precaution during the half-time break of Saturday's 3-0 victory over Fulham, but his presence on Monday suggests he will be ready to lead the line alongside January signing Viktor Gyokeres. With the aggregate score currently tied at 1-1 following the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the Gunners will need every bit of their remaining firepower to overcome Diego Simeone’s disciplined side.

The atmosphere in North London is expected to be electric as Arsenal looks to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. If Odegaard is indeed ruled out, Eberechi Eze is the most likely candidate to step into the creative "number 10" role, having performed admirably in recent weeks. The club is urging supporters to arrive early to create a wall of sound that can propel the depleted squad toward the final in Budapest.

What are your score predictions for the second leg given these major injury concerns? Leave your comments below!

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