Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided the latest injury update on his squad ahead of Tuesday’s crucial UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg meeting with Bayer Leverkusen.
The Gunners earned a 1–1 draw in the first leg after scoring a late equaliser through Kai Havertz and will now be hoping to finish the job at home and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
However, the North London side have suffered a major injury blow ahead of the decisive match, as defender Jurrien Timber has joined captain Martin Odegaard on the sidelines, with both players ruled out of the clash.
Timber has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, mainly operating at right-back and played the full 90 minutes in last week’s first leg in Germany.
He also started Arsenal’s 2–0 win over Everton in the Premier League last weekend, but was forced off in the first half after struggling with the effects of a collision with Iliman Ndiaye.
As a result, the Netherlands international will miss Tuesday’s encounter, while his availability for the upcoming EFL Cup Final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium this weekend remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Odegaard continues his recovery from a knee injury that has already kept him out of Arsenal’s last five matches in all competitions and remains unavailable for selection.
Arteta was asked about the availability of both players during Monday’s pre-match press conference and the Spaniard addressed their situation, as quoted on the official Arsenal website.
“Yes, both of them are out”, the Arsenal boss said.
There was some positive news for the Gunners, as forward Leandro Trossard is available for selection after recovering from a hip injury.
The Belgian missed the first leg last week and also sat out the win over Everton, but is now expected to be available for the second-leg showdown.
“He’s okay, he felt good so he’s available.”
Arsenal have been impressive at home in Europe this season, winning all four of their matches so far and will be aiming to maintain that record and qualify for the quarter-finals, where they would face either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting Lisbon.
