Arsenal Starting XI vs Bayern Munich: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal Await Key Returns as Predicted Lineup Takes Shape for Bayern Munich Clash

Arsenal approach tonight’s Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich with a mixture of anticipation and resolve. The Emirates will expect intensity, but also clarity, as Mikel Arteta manages a squad stretched by injuries yet buoyed by returning influence. At the centre of that hope is Martin Odegaard, captain, conductor and the emotional hinge on which much of Arsenal’s rhythm depends.

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Odegaard has not played for nearly two months. His knee injury arrived at the worst possible juncture, slowing Arsenal just as the fixtures began to tighten. Yet the sight of him training on Tuesday lifted both staff and supporters. Arteta confirmed the midfielder’s progress in calm but encouraging fashion. “We are going to have a meeting now to decide as well on Martin. He was very close for the previous game. We are hopeful that tomorrow he can be in the squad as well.”

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This is a night when Arsenal need presence. Bayern Munich bring an assuredness forged by years of European familiarity, and even with changes in personnel, the threat remains as sharp as ever.

Fitness Race Shapes Predicted Lineup

Arsenal, however, remain without a recognised striker. Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres were absent from training, extending a frustrating spell on the sidelines. Havertz has been out since August with a knee issue, while Gyokeres continues his recovery from a recent hamstring strain.

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Arteta offered guarded optimism. “Really good both of them,” he said of the Swede and the German. “So in the next few days, again, I think they are going to have a repeat scan to see how everything is and whether we can push them, or not, for the weekend or the following game.”

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Gabriel Jesus is in full training but will undergo a behind-closed-doors friendly before rejoining competitive action. “He is quite close, to be fair, and earlier than we expected,” Arteta said. “In the next few days he is going to have another step to make with a game that we are going to organise for him. After that, he is just going to be knocking on the door.”

Defensive Decisions and Young Options

At the back, Arsenal will again be without Gabriel Magalhaes, who is sidelined for several weeks with a thigh injury. Piero Hincapie is expected to retain his place after performing with maturity during the win over Tottenham, his first Premier League start and an impressive one.

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Myles Lewis-Skelly could feature at left-back, offering athleticism and composure in possession, while Ben White remains a strong option on the opposite flank.

Wide Options Offer Arsenal Stability

In attack, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke have returned to availability, easing the strain on Arsenal’s wing options. Neither is likely to start, but their presence on the bench provides balance and late-game impact if required. These are the small margins that matter in elite competition.

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Predicted Arsenal Lineup

Arsenal predicted XI, 4-3-3:Raya, Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Merino, Trossard.

Doubts: Jesus (knee)Injured: Gabriel (thigh), Gyokeres (hamstring), Havertz (knee)

Time and date: 8pm BST on Wednesday, November 26, 2025Venue: Emirates StadiumHow to watch: TNT Sports

Tonight offers another test of Arsenal’s resilience, character and depth. A predicted lineup shaped by necessity can still rise to the occasion, and against Bayern Munich, the margins will matter as much as the moments.