Arsenal Faces Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League Round of 16

Arsenal will host Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, March 17, for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie, with the aggregate score tied at 1-1. The first leg saw Arsenal struggle, conceding an early goal to Robert Andrich before salvaging a draw through a late penalty from Kai Havertz. Arsenal's recent form includes a dramatic 2-0 victory over Everton, where 16-year-old Max Dowman made headlines by scoring, providing a morale boost ahead of this crucial match.

Sports IllustratedMirror - UKTwo Arsenal stars miss training as Mikel Arteta gets potential injury boost for Bayer Leverkusen

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that both captain Martin Ødegaard and right-back Jurrien Timber will miss the match due to injuries. Ødegaard has been sidelined since late February with a knee injury, while Timber suffered an ankle injury during the Everton match, leading to his substitution in the first half. Arteta described Timber's situation as a "matter of days," but his absence is a significant blow to Arsenal's defensive lineup.

Timber, Ødegaard & Trossard: Latest Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Bayer Leverkusen tie

In contrast, Leandro Trossard has returned to training and is expected to be available for selection, providing a much-needed attacking option for the Gunners. The team will likely see Cristhian Mosquera step in for Timber at right-back, with Ben White also available after recovering from his own injury issues.

Mikel Arteta issues fresh Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard updates before Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal's predicted formation is a 4-2-3-1, featuring David Raya in goal, with Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Piero Hincapié in defense. The midfield is expected to include Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice, while Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Gabriel Martinelli will support striker Viktor Gyökeres.

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Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Kasper Hjulmand, is anticipated to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. The team will rely on the returning Patrik Schick, who missed the first leg due to injury, to bolster their attacking options. Leverkusen's recent performance against Bayern Munich, where they managed a draw despite being reduced to nine players, indicates their resilience and potential threat.

Arsenal injury update: Mikel Arteta provides update on Timber, Odegaard and Trossard - Read Arsenal F.C.

Mikel Arteta expressed confidence in his squad's depth despite the injury setbacks, stating, "We need everybody available, and we know what Ben gives us when he's at his best." He acknowledged the importance of Ødegaard and Timber but emphasized the need for the team to adapt and perform well against Leverkusen.

Arsenal injury update: Mikel Arteta provides update on Timber, Odegaard and Trossard - Read Arsenal F.C.

Critics have pointed out Arsenal's inconsistency in recent matches, raising concerns about their ability to perform under pressure in crucial fixtures. The Gunners' performance in the first leg was deemed below par, and there are doubts about whether they can elevate their game to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

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Should Arsenal advance past Bayer Leverkusen, they will face the winner of the tie between Bodo/Glimt and Sporting Lisbon in the quarter-finals. The outcome of this match is pivotal not only for their Champions League aspirations but also as they prepare for the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta issues update as Arsenal suffer major injury blow just a week before Carabao Cup final

• “We don't know, I think with him it will be a matter of days, but not sure.” — Mikel Arteta on Jurrien Timber's injury status.

Arteta's updates on Odegaard, Trossard and Timber