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Posted on March 11, 2026 6:30 pm | Updated on March 11, 2026 5:36 pm
Arsenal have got a big injury boost as William Saliba travels to Germany with the squad. This is a key moment for the club ahead of a massive Champions League night against Bayer Leverkusen. Mikel Arteta’s squad are carrying both relief and concern. Some key names are back in the mix, while others remain sidelined at a crucial stage of the season.
William Saliba Returns From Injury For Arsenal
Arsenal fans received encouraging news when William Saliba returned to training just before the team travelled to Germany. The French defender had missed the last two matches after suffering an ankle problem. That raised fears that the defence might lose its strongest pillar before a big Champions League clash.
However, the centre back is now very likely to play a key role in the UCL tie against Leverkusen. His return is a huge boost for Mikel Arteta’s plans. The player has been one of the most reliable defenders in Europe this season. His partnership with Gabriel has been central to their team’s defensive stability throughout the season.
As per reports, the France international looked comfortable during sessions before the squad left for Germany. Arteta later confirmed that the defender is ready to start the match. For a team chasing European glory, this news could not have come at a better time. The Gunners conceded very few goals when their star man has been on the pitch this season.
The timing of his return is also very important. With Saliba available again, Arteta can approach the match with a stronger defensive structure and renewed confidence.
Odegaard Absence Creates Midfield Challenge For Arteta
While some players are returning, Arsenal will definitely miss their captain. Martin Odegaard was absent from training and has been ruled out of the first leg due to a knee problem. His absence removes the team’s most creative midfielder at a vital time.
The skipper has been central to his side’s style of play. The Norwegian often controls the tempo as he links the midfield with the forward line. He creates chances with quick passes around the box as well. Without him, the English club may need to adjust their approach.
One possible solution is giving another attacking midfielder the room to play in the number ten role. Given that, players like Eberechi Eze or Kai Havertz could step into that position for this game. This will allow the team to maintain creativity even without their captain.
Ben White Travels But Doubts Remain Over Fitness
Another positive news for the fans is Ben White’s inclusion in the travelling squad. The defender has been dealing with a knock for several weeks. He was not involved in open training before the trip either. That absence created uncertainty about his availability.
However, White still boarded the flight to Germany with the rest of the squad. The decision suggests that Arsenal are keeping the door open for a late fitness test. The Gunners’ boss has not confirmed whether the defender will play as of yet. But, his presence around the team adds valuable depth.
White has been a key figure in the tactical setup this season. He offers options and strong defensive awareness. His ability to support attacks down the flank has also helped Arsenal create width when building forward.
Even if he does not start the game, travelling with the squad could signal that his recovery is progressing well. European knockout football often demands flexibility from the bench. So, White’s experience could prove useful if he is fit. For now, the fans will wait for the final decision before the match at the BayArena.
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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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