Arsenal Starting XI vs Bayer Leverkusen: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Bayer Leverkusen: Champions League Team News

Arsenal return to Champions League action tonight with renewed momentum and a clearer picture regarding selection. Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Germany for the first leg of their last 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen, and the Arsenal predicted lineup now appears far stronger following several positive fitness updates.

Rotation during the weekend FA Cup win has allowed key figures to rest, ensuring Arsenal arrive at the BayArena with fresh legs and renewed focus.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup for Leverkusen Clash

Arteta used the FA Cup fixture against Mansfield to manage his squad carefully. Several core players were left out entirely, a decision that now looks strategic ahead of this European challenge.

David Raya, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel were all rested and are expected to return to the starting eleven.

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At the back, there is further encouragement. William Saliba missed the previous two matches because of an ankle problem, yet the defender trained with the first team on Tuesday. Arteta has already confirmed he is ready to start.

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This provides Arsenal with a far more familiar defensive platform as they prepare for a demanding night in Germany.

Fitness Boost Lifts Arsenal Selection Options

Arsenal’s preparation has also been helped by the presence of Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori in training. Both players had been substituted during the FA Cup tie after minor issues.

Arteta remains cautious about their involvement but did not rule either player out.

“Those two are a possibility that they are available, and we’ll see tomorrow how we use them,” Arteta said.

The manager therefore has several attacking options available. Gabriel Martinelli could still be preferred in the starting side. The Brazilian has been particularly effective in Europe this season, scoring six Champions League goals despite only starting four matches.

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His direct running and pace could prove valuable against Leverkusen’s defensive structure.

Midfield Decision Shapes Arsenal Lineup

One area of the Arsenal predicted lineup remains unsettled. Martin Odegaard was not present in training and continues to deal with a knee problem. The captain has therefore been ruled out of the match.

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That absence creates an opportunity in the attacking midfield role. Eberechi Eze appears the most likely candidate to start, particularly as Arsenal continue to manage Kai Havertz carefully after his recent fitness concerns.

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Meanwhile Ben White remains a doubt after missing Tuesday’s training session. The defender has not played for almost a month but did travel with the squad to Germany.

Arteta may decide late whether he is ready to feature.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup

Arsenal predicted lineup 4,2,3,1:RayaTimber, Saliba, Gabriel, HincapieZubimendi, RiceSaka, Eze, MartinelliGyokeres

Injured: Merino, OdegaardDoubts: White, Trossard, Calafiori

Kick off: 5.45pm GMT, Wednesday March 11, 2026Venue: BayArena, LeverkusenBroadcast: TNT Sports

Arsenal approach the tie with cautious confidence. The return of key players strengthens the starting XI, and Arteta will hope this Arsenal predicted lineup can seize control of the tie before the second leg in north London.