Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen, but defender William Saliba is fit to return. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the news in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
Odegaard has missed the last three matches with a knee injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Brentford on February 12. He made a brief return in the North London Derby win over Tottenham but has been sidelined since. Saliba, who missed the last two games against Mansfield and Brighton with an ankle injury, has recovered and is available for selection.
Arteta also confirmed that Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are fit after being rested for the FA Cup win over Mansfield. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori are doubts after being forced off in that match, but Arteta said they could be available.
Arsenal are still competing on four fronts, with the Champions League tie followed by a Premier League match against Everton on Saturday and the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on March 22. Arteta emphasised the need to take each game as it comes.
