Arsenal are on the brink of history—their first Champions League final since 2006—and they'll need to bring their A-game when they host Atletico Madrid at the Emirates tomorrow for the second leg of their semi-final showdown. After a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is hoping for some good news on the injury front, especially after Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz missed Saturday's Premier League win over Fulham.
But Atletico have their own fitness worries. Argentine striker Julian Alvarez—a summer transfer target for Arsenal—was absent from the weekend's match against Valencia after limping off late in the first leg against the Gunners. The former Manchester City star looked like a doubt for tomorrow's clash, but here's the twist: Alvarez has been named in Atletico's travelling squad for the Emirates trip.
The La Liga side is keeping their cards close to the chest, leaving Arsenal guessing on whether the 26-year-old will be fit to play. Alvarez made his mark in the first leg by slotting home the equalizer from the penalty spot, and he's been a force in this season's Champions League, racking up 10 goals and 4 assists in 14 appearances. Arsenal's defense will need to stay sharp to keep him at bay if he does take the pitch.
