A major boost has been given to Arsenal ahead of their Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen tomorrow, as three important players have recovered. As their European campaign begins, the Gunners will take on the German team in the competition’s round of 16, a level where the pressure and intensity are significantly higher.
Mikel Arteta’s club performed admirably during the league phase and, after winning every game, emerged as the tournament’s best team. Arsenal will now have to prove that their previous success was not a coincidence, though, since the knockout stages provide a completely new task.
Arteta would want to have as many of his best players available as possible for this crucial match. Three key players have returned to training, giving Arsenal a triple fitness advantage ahead of the match.
There were significant doubts over the three’s availability for the forthcoming Champions League encounter because they had already missed the team’s game against Mansfield. They may be prepared to play against Leverkusen, though, based on their return to training.
Mikel Arteta welcomes three key stars back into training
The Arsenal team is still far from full strength despite the treble boost. Martin Odegaard, the team’s captain, is still unavailable to the Gunners due to a chronic knee issue that is frustrating the midfield. In addition, Mikel Merino is still out after recent foot surgery, while Ben White is also out due to an unidentified knock.
In light of the team’s intense physical demands as they continue to contend on several fronts throughout the business end of the season, the opportunity to welcome back three starters is crucial for squad rotation. Arsenal will play Leverkusen, a team renowned for their high-intensity style and meticulous tactical structure, in the BayArena. After their previous FA Cup successes, this round-of-16 first leg is a major improvement in quality, and having Saliba ready to counter a strong Leverkusen onslaught will be crucial.
The Gunners have been playing well lately, but the lack of Odegaard’s inventiveness puts extra pressure on the returning Trossard to make an impact in the closing third. A successful outcome in Germany would keep their hopes of a historic quadruple alive and provide a solid basis for the return leg at the Emirates.
