leverkusen vs arsenal pits Arsenal against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last-16 first leg, with kick-off at 12: 45pm ET. Mikel Arteta says he believes Arsenal belong at Europe’s top table but urged the side to prove it on the night. Squad availability and a managed return for Kai Havertz add sharp angles to the match.
Leverkusen Vs Arsenal: lineups and fitness
Arsenal’s selected XI lists Raya in goal; Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel and Hincapié across the back; Eze, Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice in midfield; with Saka, Gyökeres and Martinelli leading the attack. Bayer Leverkusen start with Blaswich in goal; Quansah, Andrich and Tapsoba in defence; Poku, Exequiel Palacios, Aleix Garcia and Grimaldo in midfield; and Terriera, Maza and Christian Kofané up front. Substitutes named include established backups on both benches.
On fitness, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi are all available, while Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori are doubts after being forced off in the FA Cup tie. Club captain Martin Ødegaard is confirmed out of the tie. These availability notes shape Arteta’s selection and tactical options for the first leg.
Arteta’s case and Havertz’s managed return
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal head coach, framed the tie as the moment for his team to demonstrate they belong among Europe’s elite: “I believe so. This is football and you have to show it tomorrow night. ” He stressed the need to perform on the day and win the moments that decide Champions League ties: “Champions League is about the day. Within that day, there are moments and you have to be better than the opponent. ” Arteta also highlighted growing competition experience within his squad since his arrival as a factor that must now be converted into results.
Kai Havertz, Germany forward, described the knee injury layoff as the most painful experience of his life and said it left him with “new hunger” to win trophies. His return has been carefully managed and he is named on the bench for Arsenal as they travel to face his former club for the first time since leaving in 2020.
What to watch and what’s next
Key match moments will include how Arsenal handle Leverkusen’s front line and whether Havertz is introduced to change the game. Arsenal’s unbeaten run in their group stage and recent knockout progress add context to Arteta’s claim, while Leverkusen’s recent domestic form and squad selection present their own threats.
Expect acute tactical shifts and substitutions to decide this first leg; the result will shape who holds the advantage heading into the return fixture. Coverage builds to the decisive phases after the 12: 45pm ET kick-off, and both clubs know this tie is a proving ground for European ambitions in the season of leverkusen vs arsenal.
