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Arsenal face a big test in their UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg against Bayer Leverkusen, with the tie delicately poised at 1-1 on aggregate. The Gunners are also in the race to win the English Premier League this season after multiple attempts in recent years.
While the team needed its full and healthy squad amid the action-packed week ahead, Mikel Arteta’s side is hit with not one, but two major injury blows ahead of their UCL showdown. Arteta has confirmed that two key squad members will be unavailable for the crucial return fixture, dealing a blow to the team's defensive versatility and creative midfield options ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Mikel Arteta confirms key absences for Arsenal in UCL clash vs Leverkusen
According to the Arsenal manager, Jurrien Timber and Martin Ødegaard are the two names sidelined for the match against Bayer Leverkusen. Arteta, in his recent media appearance, said:
“Jurrien Timber and Martin Ødegaard will be out tomorrow against Bayer Leverkusen”.
Odegaard has not played for the side since the north London derby on February 22 due to a knee injury. However, according to the Arsenal boss, he might return for the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
With Odegaard and Timber missing out on the match vs the Ligue 1 side, with Mikel Meriona still on the sidelines, there’s some more optimism for the League Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, particularly in Odegaard’s case.
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