Arsenal FC v GNK Dinamo - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 - Source: Getty
Arsenal FC v GNK Dinamo - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 - Source: Getty
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed the unavailability of both Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners will face Leverkusen in the Round of 16 second leg on March 17.
Arsenal drew 1-1 against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg last week. The second leg, therefore, is set to be decisive in their campaign as they must secure a win this time. Ahead of the clash, the availability of two key players, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber, was in doubt. Odegaard has been out for the Gunners' last five games due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, Timber picked up an injury during their 2-0 win over Everton in the Premier League last weekend.
In the pre-match press conference ahead of facing Bayer Leverkusen, coach Mikel Arteta confirmed that both Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber will miss the Champions League clash. The duo did not train on Monday. Arteta said (via The Mirror):
However, the Arsenal boss confirmed the return of Leandro Trossard, who had injured his hip during the Gunners' 2-1 win over Mansfield Park in the FA Cup fifth round. Trossard trained normally on Monday.
After the Bayer Leverkusen clash in the UCL, Arsenal will focus on the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City scheduled for March 22. Mikel Arteta will hope his key players return ahead of the game to give them the much-needed boost.
Will Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber be available for Arsenal for the Carabao Cup final?
Odegaard - Source: Getty
Odegaard - Source: Getty
In the pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta also weighed in on Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber's availability for the upcoming Carabao Cup final on Sunday. Speaking of Gunners captain Odegaard, he said (via Arsenal's official website)
"So we're really pushing, he really wants to try to be available, but we'll have to wait and see in the next few days when he trains with the team how he feels. We know the game that we're going to be playing in a few days again, and the more players that we have the better."
Arteta also addressed the question of Jurrien Timber's availability, adding:
"We don't know, I think with him it will be a matter of days, but not sure."
If Arsenal wins the Carabao Cup, it could be a big step towards winning the historic quadruple this season. The Gunners are the favorites to win the Premier League, while they are also contenders to win their first UEFA Champions League. If they also win the FA Cup, this could be a historic feat for the club. However, the season is far from over, and Arteta's side will have a long way to go to achieve it.