Latest updates from Last Word on Football cover the team news and confirmed lineups for the clash between Leverkusen and Arsenal at the BayArena. This first leg of the last-16 Champions League match is set to begin at 17:45 GMT. Leverkusen progressed past Olympiacos with a 2-0 aggregate score in the previous round. Arsenal aims for a historic quadruple season, while Leverkusen is dealing with several injuries and currently sits sixth in the Bundesliga.
Champions League Last-16: Leverkusen vs Arsenal, Team News and Confirmed Lineups
Leverkusen Team News
Leverkusen faces significant injury challenges as they prepare for the match against Arsenal. Coach Kasper Hjulmand noted the absence of top scorer Patrick Schick, who has missed the last two games due to a muscle injury.
Goalkeeper Mark Flekken is also injured, along with players Artur, Loic Bade, and Lucas Vazquez. Nathan Tella and Eliesse Ben Seghir are recovering but may not make it back in time for this match.
Arsenal Team News
In his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta emphasized the need for a fresh mindset as they enter knockout games:
“Starting the second part of the campaign, we understand what is at stake. These are games where you either progress or go out; there is no room for error, and we will face a tough challenge against a strong team,” Arteta remarked.
Arteta confirmed that Martin Ødegaard will not play, but he hinted at the possible return of Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard.
Additionally, Gabriel, William Saliba, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi are all fit and available for selection.
Leverkusen Confirmed Lineup
This section will be updated once the teams are announced.
Arsenal Confirmed Lineup
This section will be updated once the teams are announced.