Madrid, April 28 -- Atletico Madrid faces Arsenal at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal, in a rematch of theleague phase meeting that Arsenal won 4-0 in London in October.
Since then, Arsenal's imperious early-season form has dipped, with Mikel Arteta's side now locked in a tight Premier League title race with Manchester City.
Injuries have also taken a toll. Mikel Merino is a long-term absentee and is doubtful for the World Cup, Jurrien Timber is sidelined with a pelvic problem, and Kai Havertz picked up a groin injury against Newcastle United last weekend.
Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi were also forced off in that game, with Eze a doubt for Wednesday.
The main boost for...