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

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

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.

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David Raya, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel were all given the afternoon off completely against the League One side and 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 has opted to start Gabriel Martinelli with Trossard missing out. 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 getting 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 and is on the bench.

Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres.