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Posted on March 11, 2026 5:30 pm | Updated on March 11, 2026 5:15 pm
Arsenal head into a massive Champions League night in Germany with strong momentum. But, a key absence has shaken the build up. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that club captain Martin Odegaard will not be available for the first leg against Bayer Leverkusen. The Norwegian star has been one of Arsenal’s most creative forces this season. So, his absence raises serious questions about how the Gunners will control the midfield.
Mikel Arteta Delivers Martin Odegaard Injury Update
Arsenal travel to the BayArena full of confidence after winning four straight matches across competitions. The Gunners have recently booked their place in the FA Cup quarter finals. They remain one of the most consistent teams in Europe this season. However, the build up to the Champions League clash took a sudden turn. As per reports, Arteta has confirmed his captain will not be involved.
The Arsenal manager kept his response short and direct when asked about Martin Odegaard’s availability. He said: “He’s out”.
The Norwegian skipper has been struggling with a knee issue for a long time during the campaign. Despite those problems, he recently showed flashes of his best form. He has six goal contributions in his last nine league appearances. Losing that creative spark for such a big European fixture is a clear blow.
Still, the north London side received some good news elsewhere in the squad. Defender William Saliba has returned to fitness after recovering from an ankle issue. Given that, he is likely to start the UCL game. Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Zubimendi are also available. This gives the Gunners a strong core in midfield and defence.
Arteta has repeatedly stressed that Champions League games often swing on small moments. Without their captain pulling the strings, Arsenal must rely on squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Eberechi Eze Ready To Step Up In Attack
With Odegaard ruled out, eyes turned to the players expected to fill the creative gap. One name gaining attention is Eberechi Eze. He is showing his worth whenever he has been given the chance in recent weeks.
The Englishman gave a great performance during Arsenal’s 4-1 league win over Tottenham Hotspur. He scored twice and showed real confidence between the lines. Even when he did not score in recent matches against Chelsea and Brighton, he is creating chances for the team.
Eze also had a key moment in the FA Cup as well. He scored the winning goal in the fifth round clash against Mansfield Town. That strike tells about his growing impact within the squad.
Against Leverkusen, Arteta faces an important tactical choice. Eze could play as the central attacking midfielder behind the striker. Another option is to use him on the left wing while Kai Havertz moves into the number ten role.
Meanwhile, Havertz will have extra motivation on this trip to Germany as he faces a familiar Bundesliga opponent. He needs to move into the attacking midfield role behind Viktor Gyokeres. With that, Arsenal could gain physical presence and clever off ball movement in key areas.
Arsenal Balancing Short Term Risk With Long Term Ambition
While the immediate concern is the Leverkusen clash, Arteta’s bigger focus remains the long run of key matches ahead. The Gunners boss knows rushing players back too early can risk their chances later.
The injury record of Odegaard this year has not been good for both the player and the north London football club. The Norwegian has dealt with multiple setbacks. That is forcing the team to manage his minutes carefully. His fitness now could prove vital for the final months of the season.
There is hope inside the Arsenal camp that the captain could return soon. Arteta will be eager to have him available as soon as possible. This comes as they play the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City later this month.
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Abhijeet Nalawade
Abhijeet Nalawade is a Senior Football Writer at Six Sports, providing in-depth coverage and expert analysis of football matches, player performances, and tactical developments. With extensive experience in football journalism, he specializes in delivering detailed insights and feature articles that keep readers informed and engaged.Through his work at Six Sports, Abhijeet produces comprehensive football content, including match breakdowns, tactical evaluations, and analytical features. His writing combines clarity with expertise, making him a trusted voice for football enthusiasts seeking high-quality coverage of the sport.
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