Forward Kai Havertz and defender Jurrien Timber are officially out for Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg against Atletico Madrid due to injury problems confirmed before kickoff. Follow our live coverage of Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal with minute-by-minute updates!
Havertz missed the trip after failing to recover fully from a groin issue that kept him out of training sessions earlier this week, while Timber continues dealing with a muscular setback that has limited his availability in recent matches.
The absence of Havertz is especially significant for the team’s attack. The German international had become one of the club’s most versatile offensive pieces and Mike Arteta had recently used him in multiple attacking roles. Havertz, in fact, gave Arsenal a crucial win over Sporting CP to reach this stage.
How and when did Kai Havertz get injured?
Kai Havertz suffered a groin injury during Arsenal’s Premier League match against Newcastle United on April 25, forcing him off before halftime just days before the UEFA Champions League semifinal against Atletico Madrid.
Kai Havertz of Arsenal during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match (Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
He appeared in visible discomfort during the first half and immediately signaled toward Arsenal’s bench before being substituted in the 33rd minute. Reports later confirmed the issue was related to his groin and upper leg area.
The German forward had actually started to regain strong form after previous injury problems earlier in the season. Against Newcastle, he even provided the assist for Eberechi Eze’s winning goal before being forced out of the match.
The timing of the injury created immediate concern inside Arsenal because Havertz had become one of Mikel Arteta’s most versatile attacking players during the club’s Champions League run. He had recently operated as both a striker and attacking midfielder depending on the tactical setup.
When will Kai Havertz return to play?
Kai Havertz is expected to return before the end of the season, although Arsenal ruled him out of the first leg against Atletico Madrid, where a win, tie or loss could impact the return leg. Early medical evaluations reportedly avoided the worst-case scenario.
Several English reports indicate the club still expects the German forward to play a role during the Premier League title run-in and potentially later Champions League matches if Arsenal advance.
Mikel Arteta described the problem as a “muscular niggle” shortly after the Newcastle game, suggesting Arsenal decided against taking risks before such a physically demanding semifinal in Madrid.
Although he missed training ahead of the Atletico Madrid trip, there is growing confidence inside the club that Havertz could return within the next few matches rather than facing a lengthy absence.
How and when did Jurrien Timber get injured?
Jurrien Timber suffered a groin and pelvic-related injury in mid-March and has remained sidelined since then. He initially picked up the issue during the Premier League match against Everton, and the injury later developed into a lingering muscular problem that prevented him from returning to full training.
Jurrien Timber of Arsenal receives medical treatment during the Premier League match (Source: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Before the injury, he had played as both a center back and right back under Mikel Arteta, often helping Arsenal maintain defensive balance during high-pressure matches. Reports from the final training session before Atletico Madrid confirmed he did not participate with the squad.
When will Jurrien Timber return to play?
There is currently no official return date for Jurrien Timber. Unlike Havertz’s situation, his recovery process has been more uncertain because he continues experiencing discomfort during rehabilitation sessions.
The defender has now missed several consecutive matches, including major Champions League fixtures, and his absence against Atletico Madrid raised further doubts about whether he will be ready for the second leg.
How have the players performed for Arsenal?
Kai Havertz became one of the most productive attacking players during the second half of the campaign, contributing goals, assists and tactical flexibility across multiple positions.
Jurrien Timber during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match (Source: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
His movement between midfield and attack helped Arsenal adapt in several Champions League knockout matches, while his chemistry with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard improved significantly during the spring stretch of the season.
Timber, meanwhile, established himself as one of the most reliable defensive options. His versatility allowed Arteta to rotate systems seamlessly, and his composure in possession became especially valuable during competition.
Even with the injuries, Arsenal still arrive at the semifinal carrying strong momentum after eliminating several major European opponents during the tournament. But losing experienced players at this stage increases the pressure on the squad’s depth as the club chases its first Champions League final appearance since 2006.
