Mansion Sports – Mikel Arteta revealed several key details before Arsenal play the second leg of the 2025/2026 Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid at Emirates Stadium.

After the 1-1 draw last week in Spain, everything remains open for Arsenal as they attempt to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.

Mikel provided a squad update, while also discussing the Spanish opposition and what it would mean to reach the Champions League final.

On the Availability of Havertz and Odegaard

“They are available, both are in the squad, and that is very beneficial for us because we need options, we need the capacity to play different types of matches tomorrow, whether from the start or afterward. So this is really very good news for us because both of them are back.”

On the Match Being the Biggest in Emirates History

“I cannot wait. I mean, I can feel the energy inside and around the team, our supporters, so this is the moment we want to experience together.”

“We have done a lot of work as a club, as a team, over the last 20 years to return to this position, and we are very hungry to get the match we want tomorrow and reach the final.”

In addition, Arteta also gave his comments regarding the fitness of one of Arsenal’s key forwards, Bukayo Saka. Saka was substituted at half-time when Arsenal defeated Fulham 3-0 at Emirates Stadium.

“Amazing, that is what we need when reaching this stage of the competition — players not only being available, but also being in the best possible condition to perform and make the difference, and Bukayo will certainly provide that.”

Excitement Ahead of the Match

“Of course, I am very excited and very hungry (to achieve victory). It is difficult to express the desire to experience this moment.”

“Especially together with our people in front of them, they have waited a very long time to have a night like this. Fight hard tomorrow, because something extraordinary is going to happen.”

Arteta also revealed his conversation with the players ahead of this crucial match, stating: “First of all, I reminded the players to have the best possible preparation for the upcoming match.”

“We know the match we are going to play tomorrow, and how we are going to approach that match.”

“Be prepared, show good quality, clarity in the match, and display all of that on matchday. That is the most important thing.”

Competition at Left-Back Position

“[Calafiori and Hincapie] are very different. We have rarely had both of them available at the same time for a long period, so we have been more limited in terms of opponents and the connections we want to build throughout the match or with teammates when choosing from there. Now both are available and that is a very good option because they are, as you said, very different.”

On Facing Julian Alvarez

“I cannot control that. Tomorrow they will do something, they will start with certain players, they will finish with different players.”

“We will adapt as always and we will play the match in the way we believe is best for us.”

“I Have to Trust the Team”

“As I have already said, I think the way we compete, the way we play, and our desire to win have shown throughout the year that I have to trust them.”

“That belief comes from what I see and what I feel. Tomorrow will be a different match, but we are ready to play it, we are ready to compete and of course to win it.”

Message to the Supporters

“A dream for us. To have the opportunity tomorrow to go to the Champions League final in front of the fans, something we have not experienced for many years, something special and we really want to achieve it.”

“I do not think a message is necessary. What is at stake already explains everything. I think this is the opportunity, this is the moment, this is the match. Let us go through this together and make it happen.”