Arsenal XI vs Bayer Leverkusen: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League today | OneFootball

Gunners handed triple fitness boost ahead of last-16 first-leg clash

Decisions: Mikel Arteta has some dilemmas to ponder as Arsenal head to Leverkusen

London Standard

Mikel Arteta's side are in Germany for the first leg of the last-16 tie and should be fresh after there was plenty of rotation against Mansfield in the FA Cup at the weekend.

David Raya, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel were all given the afternoon off completely against the League One side and should return here.

William Saliba has missed the last two matches with an ankle injury but took part in first-team training on Tuesday and Arteta confirmed he is fit to start.

Also in that session were Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori, despite both being forced off with minor injuries against Mansfield. Both could be available in Leverkusen.

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

However, Arteta could opt to start Gabriel Martinelli even if Trossard is fit. The Brazilian has scored six Champions League goals this season despite starting only four matches.

Martin Odegaard was not seen in training as he continues to struggle to overcome a knee issue and he has been ruled out of the clash on Wednesday night.

That leaves a decision to be made at No10, with Eberechi Eze likely to get the nod as Arsenal continue to be cautious with Kai Havertz’s fitness.

Ben White also missed out on Tuesday's training session, with it now almost a month since the full-back was last available, but he has travelled to Germany with the squad.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Gyokeres

Injured: Merino, Odegaard

Doubts: White, Trossard, Calafiori

Time and date: 5.45pm GMT on Wednesday March 11, 2026

How to watch: TNT Sports