Match at Emirates Stadium, London, on 17 March 2026 in the UEFA Champions League 1/8 final. Arsenal arrive as group leaders with a perfect record (8 wins from 8, 23-4 goals), while Bayer Leverkusen progressed from lower seeding, ranked 16th with 12 points and a 13-14 goal balance.
Arsenal Availability
Arsenal face notable absences in midfield. Mikel Merino is ruled out with a leg injury, Martin Ødegaard is sidelined by a knee problem, and Jurrien Timber also misses out through injury. Creative responsibility will fall more heavily on fit options such as Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice. In attack, key threat Gabriel Martinelli is fully available, having scored 6 goals and added 1 assist in this Champions League campaign, underlining his importance to Arsenal’s 23-goal haul.
Bayer Leverkusen Availability
Leverkusen have a longer absentee list. Arthur (ankle), L. Badé (muscle), E. Ben Seghir (ankle), goalkeeper M. Flekken (knee), Lucas (calf), N. Tella and I. Traore (both inactive) are all ruled out. M. Terrier is uncertain and faces a late fitness test. However, creative fulcrum Álex Grimaldo is fit, bringing 4 goals and 3 assists in Europe.
Impact Summary
Arsenal’s main attacking core, led by Martinelli, remains intact, while Leverkusen’s depth is hit across defence, attack, and in goal. The German side’s forward options are thinned, placing extra weight on Grimaldo’s output to keep pace with Arsenal’s prolific frontline.
