Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Delivers Team News Ahead of Crucial Champions League Fixture
Mikel Arteta has provided a significant update on Arsenal's squad ahead of their pivotal Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners will host the Bundesliga side at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, aiming to secure a quarter-final berth after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Germany last week.
Key Absences Confirmed for High-Stakes Encounter
In a pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that both defender Jurrien Timber and captain Martin Odegaard will miss the clash due to injuries. Timber sustained an issue during the first half of Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday, forcing him off the pitch. Odegaard, meanwhile, has been sidelined for the last five games with a knee injury, and neither player participated in training ahead of the match.
Arteta stated clearly: "Yes, both of them are out." This absence poses a challenge for Arsenal as they seek to build on their away draw, which was salvaged by a late Kai Havertz penalty.
Timely Boost with Trossard's Return
Despite the setbacks, Arteta delivered positive news regarding Leandro Trossard, who is set to be available for selection. "He's okay, he felt good," the manager remarked, offering a much-needed offensive option for the Gunners. Trossard's inclusion could prove crucial in a match where Arsenal aims to improve upon a below-par performance in the first leg, where Leverkusen scored early in the second half.
Race Against Time for Carabao Cup Final
Attention is also turning to Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, with Odegaard and Timber facing a tight timeline to regain fitness. Arteta noted that Odegaard is "really pushing" for recovery, while Timber's injury is described as a "matter of days." The manager emphasized the importance of careful management, especially with young talents like 16-year-old Max Dowman, who scored in the Everton win, requiring guidance to keep grounded.
Additional Squad Updates and Strategic Focus
In further encouraging news, Ben White, who was notably benched during the Everton match despite Timber's injury, is now in a better condition. "He's in a much better place now," Arteta explained. "He trained today, he feels good." White's availability could bolster Arsenal's defensive options as they prioritize Champions League progression over the looming cup final.
The match promises to be a tense affair, with Arsenal relying on players like Havertz, who started against Everton but was substituted after an hour, and Viktor Gyokeres, whose late goal secured the recent win. As the Gunners prepare, Arteta and his leadership group are focused on maintaining squad morale and performance in this critical phase of the season.
