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Arsenal XI vs Leverkusen: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup

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

Arsenal Football Newsletter

Arsenal will bring their key players back into the starting lineup for the Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night.

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, suggesting he is in contention to be involved.

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 but 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.

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Martin Odegaard was not seen in training as he continues to struggle to overcome a knee issue, leaving him as a major doubt.

That leaves a decision to be made at No10 and it could see Kai Havertz start against his former side in place of Eberechi Eze.

Ben White also missed out on Tuesday's training session, with it now almost a month since the full-back was last available. Mikel Merino is a long-term absentee after foot surgery.

Arteta will provide a full team news update at his pre-match press conference in Leverkusen on Tuesday evening.

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

Injured: Merino

Doubts: Odegaard, White, Saliba, Trossard, Calafiori

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

Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen

How to watch: TNT Sports

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