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Odegaard will be hoping to return | Getty Images
A look at the early injury news surrounding Arsenal and Champions League rivals Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal are back in Champions League action on Wednesday when they take on Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners will be heavy favourites to progress against Leverkusen, but this away leg will be key in setting the tone for the second, home leg.
Leverkusen are sixth in Bundesliga currently, and they have been dealing with a fair few injury issues of late. Here we round up the injury latest surrounding both sides ahead of the pre-match press conferences.
Patrik Schick - Out
Schik was ruled out for last weekend’s game with a muscular issue and it’s likely this one will come too soon, but he hasn’t yet been ruled out.
Arthur Augusto - Out
Augusto has a knee injury that will keep him out until some time in April.
Lucas Vasquez - Doubt
Vasquez has been out since February with a calf injury and there has been no news on his return. He was said to be out for “several weeks” and has been at this point. He will go down as a doubt, but a return here would be a surprise.
Loic Bade - Doubt
Bade has a hamstring and will likely struggle to return here.
Eliesse Ben Seghir- Doubt
Ben Seghir is hoping to return from an ankle issue, but he will be a doubt.
Mark Flekken - Out
The goalkeeper is absent and will remain out until the end of the month with a knee issue.
Nathan Tella - Doubt
Tella is battling to return from a foot injury.
Mikel Merino - Out
Merino is likely going to miss the rest of the season after a foot fracture. Arteta said after the Spaniard’s surgery: “Well, I think the doctors were really happy the way it went. Yeah, now it starts. Obviously, it's a long process. You're talking about bone healing, so you need to be patient. You respect the timings, and I'm sure Mikel is going to do everything that he possibly can to speed up the process. We're talking about months, whether it's three, four or five, we don't know.”
Martin Odegaard - Doubt
Odegaard has missed the last couple and was not risked against Mansfield. He will go down as a doubt for now, but it’s likely he will return here.
Ben White - Out
White has missed the last couple of games and is expected to stay out until at least the weekend.
William Saliba - Doubt
Saliba will be a doubt after missing the Brighton and Mansfield games. Arteta explained: “He turned his ankle against Chelsea. He managed to finish the game somehow, but he was too sore to play today.” It’s likely Saliba will be back for this one.
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