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Posted on March 10, 2026 8:45 pm | Updated on March 10, 2026 8:21 pm
Arsenal received a welcome lift ahead of their Champions League trip to Germany after several key players returned to training at London Colney. The squad completed its final session on Tuesday morning before flying out to face Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16.
Mikel Arteta’s side head into the contest with renewed optimism. A few players who recently dealt with injury concerns were back on the grass, easing fears about squad depth before an important week in Europe.
Saliba, Trossard and Calafiori return to training
The biggest positive for Arsenal came with the return of William Saliba, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori. All three players trained with the group during the final session before the squad travelled to Germany. Saliba had missed recent matches after picking up an ankle injury during the victory over Chelsea. His absence created concern because of his importance in the defensive setup, but the French centre back now looks close to full fitness.
Trossard and Calafiori also suffered setbacks during the FA Cup win against Mansfield Town. Both players left the pitch early in that match, which raised doubts about their availability for the European fixture. However, their participation in training suggests the problems were not serious. The medical staff monitored them closely over the past few days and they were able to join the session without restrictions.
According to reports, the coaching team now expects the trio to be available for selection against Leverkusen. Their return offers Arteta valuable options in defence and attack during a crucial stage of the season. The development also arrives at an ideal moment with several demanding fixtures approaching across football competitions.
Key absentees remain while rested players return
Despite the positive news, a few notable players were missing from the session. Club captain Martin Odegaard did not take part, while defender Ben White also remained absent from training. Midfielder Mikel Merino was another player not involved with the group. The Spaniard recently underwent foot surgery and is expected to remain sidelined for a longer period. Merino’s recovery will likely continue over the coming months. The club does not expect him to return until later in the campaign once rehabilitation is complete.
There was better news elsewhere in the squad. Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Zubimendi were all back in training this week after missing the FA Cup match. Arteta explained after the Mansfield victory that the trio had been managing minor fitness issues. The staff decided to rest them as a precaution.
The decision appears to have worked. All three players returned to the training ground without problems and should be available for the trip to Germany. Young prospects Max Dowman and Marli Salmon also trained with the senior squad. The pair could travel with the group if Arteta chooses to add extra depth for the European tie.
Arsenal prepare for decisive European test
Arsenal now turn their attention toward the meeting with Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena. The match represents a key moment in their Champions League campaign. Leverkusen arrive under pressure after inconsistent results in recent weeks. Reports in Germany suggest manager Kasper Hjulmand faces growing scrutiny as the season enters its decisive phase.
Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to compete on several fronts. The club remains strongly placed in the Premier League title race while also progressing in domestic cups. A positive result in Germany would move Arteta’s side closer to the quarter finals. If they progress, Arsenal could meet Bodo Glimt or Sporting CP in the next round.
The schedule will remain intense for the squad in the coming weeks. Arsenal recently learned they will face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter finals. Later this month the team will travel to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. For now the focus remains on the trip to Germany, with key players returning to training at an important moment for Arteta’s squad.
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Deepanjali Bhardwaj
Deepanjali Bhardwaj is a Sports Writer at Six Sports, covering both football and cricket with a focus on match developments, player performances, and key talking points across the two sports. Her work combines timely reporting with clear analysis, helping readers stay informed about major matches, tournaments, and emerging storylines in the football and cricket landscape.Through her coverage at Six Sports, Deepanjali contributes match reports, analytical pieces, and feature stories that highlight important moments, team strategies, and standout player performances across domestic and international competitions.
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