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Why Is Martin Odegaard Not Playing Tonight for Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid?
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

Arsenal host Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium tonight for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie. The sides remain locked at 1-1 following the opening leg in Spain.

Mikel Arteta’s side currently leads the Premier League and is chasing a historic double. While critics suggested the team might fade late in the season, Arsenal has stayed firm in Europe and extended their lead at home after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

The Gunners receive a timely boost with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz both available for selection. Their presence will be crucial as Arteta looks to break down Diego Simeone’s side and move one step closer to a final against either Bayern Munich or PSG.

Why Is Martin Odegaard Not Playing Tonight for Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid?

Martin Odegaard returned to the Arsenal squad after limping off against Atletico Madrid last week and missing the weekend’s 3-0 victory over Fulham.

Kai Havertz also missed both fixtures, but Mikel Arteta confirmed that both players are back for the second leg.

“Yes, they are available, they are in the squad, both of them.” he said.

“We need options, we need the capacity to play different games tomorrow, whether it’s from the start or after. So it’s really, really good news for us to have them both back.”

While both are in the matchday squad, Odegaard will start the semi-final from the bench.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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