Trossard Returns to Arsenal Squad for Bayer Leverkusen Clash

LONDON – Arsenal received a timely boost ahead of their crucial Champions League round of 16 second leg against Bayer Leverkusen, with forward Leandro Trossard returning to the squad. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the Belgian international has recovered from a hip injury and is available for selection on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium. However, the Gunners will still be without captain Martin Odegaard and defender Jurrien Timber for the match.

Injury Updates and Squad Availability

Trossard sustained the hip injury during Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town on March 7th, a 2-1 win for the North London club. He subsequently missed the first leg against Leverkusen, which ended in a 1-1 draw, and Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton this past Saturday. Arteta revealed on Monday that Trossard had recovered sufficiently to rejoin the team.

The news regarding Odegaard and Timber is less encouraging. Both players remain sidelined with injuries and will not participate in Tuesday’s match. Odegaard has been absent for the past five games due to a knee injury, while Timber suffered an injury against Everton and was subsequently ruled out.

What’s at Stake?

Arsenal enters the second leg against Leverkusen with a slight disadvantage, having conceded an away goal in the first match. The Gunners need a win – or a score draw with more than one goal scored – to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. This match represents a significant hurdle in Arsenal’s quest for silverware this season, as they also compete in the Premier League and Carabao Cup. The pressure is on Arteta’s side to deliver a strong performance at home.

Trossard’s Impact and Potential Role

Trossard’s return provides Arteta with a valuable attacking option. The Belgian has three goal contributions in the Champions League this season, demonstrating his ability to craft an impact in Europe’s premier club competition. His versatility allows Arteta to deploy him in multiple positions, adding tactical flexibility to the Arsenal attack. He’s a player capable of unlocking defenses with a clever pass or a well-timed run, something Arsenal will desperately need against a well-organized Leverkusen side.

Odegaard and Timber’s Absence

The continued absence of Odegaard is a significant blow to Arsenal. The Norwegian captain is a key creative force in midfield, dictating the tempo and providing crucial passes. Without him, Arsenal may lack the same level of control and attacking impetus. Timber’s injury also presents a challenge, as the Dutch defender has been a reliable performer at right-back. His absence could force Arteta to reshuffle his defense, potentially impacting the team’s stability.

Arteta’s Tactical Considerations

With Trossard back in contention, Arteta faces several tactical decisions. He will need to determine the best way to integrate the Belgian into the starting lineup, considering his fitness levels and the strengths of the opposition. The manager will also need to address the defensive vulnerabilities created by Timber’s absence, potentially opting for Ben White or Cristhian Mosquera at right-back. The midfield setup will also be crucial, with Arteta needing to find a way to compensate for Odegaard’s absence and maintain control of the game.

Looking Ahead

Following the Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal will turn their attention to the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday. Arteta will be hoping to have both Odegaard and Timber fit for that match, but their recovery remains uncertain. The Gunners face a demanding schedule in the coming weeks, and maintaining the fitness of key players will be paramount to their success.

Arsenal’s match against Bayer Leverkusen is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16, 2026, with an 8:00 PM GMT kickoff (3:00 PM EST). Fans can follow live updates and analysis on Archysport.com.

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