Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal: Date, Time, TV Channel & Team News
Leverkusen, Germany – Arsenal travels to the BayArena on , for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners, who navigated the league phase without a single defeat, face a Leverkusen side that secured its place in the knockout stages via a play-off, presenting a compelling clash of form and experience.
Mikel Arteta’s squad arrives in Germany with a boost, as key defenders William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori, and Leandro Trossard have returned to training and are considered possibilities for selection. Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi are also confirmed as available after being rested during the weekend’s FA Cup victory. However, Martin Odegaard remains sidelined, presenting a notable absence in midfield. Arteta confirmed Odegaard’s absence during his pre-match press conference.
The return of Saliba is particularly significant, bolstering Arsenal’s defensive line after an ankle injury kept him out of recent matches. Trossard and Calafiori’s availability offers Arteta tactical flexibility, while the rested trio of Gabriel, Rice, and Zubimendi should provide renewed energy in the midfield. Arteta emphasized the importance of performing on the day, stating, “Champions League is about the day. Within that day, Notice moments. You have to be better than the opponent.”
Leverkusen, meanwhile, is dealing with defensive injury concerns. Arthur, Loic Bade, and Lucas Vazquez are all sidelined, placing increased pressure on Jarell Quansah. However, the German side has welcomed back key attacking players Patrik Schick, Nathan Tella, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken to training, providing a lift ahead of the crucial encounter.
The match represents a step up in intensity for both teams. Arsenal, having dominated their Champions League group, now faces the pressure of being considered favorites. Arteta, however, has dismissed talk of a potential ‘quadruple’ – winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and any other domestic cup – stating, “No, I don’t use that phrase, don’t talk about it.” He acknowledged the difficulty of each competition and the need to focus on one game at a time.
Leverkusen reached the last 16 after a 2-0 aggregate victory over Olympiacos, but their form has been inconsistent this season. A notable victory against Manchester City contrasts sharply with a heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, highlighting their unpredictable nature.
Arteta also provided an update on Kai Havertz, who returns to his former club with “total consistency in terms of training, preparation and game time.” Arteta believes Havertz is now capable of making a significant impact on the team, noting his previous injury struggles – a hamstring injury requiring surgery and a knee injury – and a period of personal positive change. “It’s been something new for him,” Arteta said. “When you look at his injury record, it’s just blank.”
The development of young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly was also a topic of discussion. Arteta acknowledged that each season presents different opportunities, and Lewis-Skelly has had both positive and challenging moments.
The match at the BayArena is scheduled for a kick-off and will be televised live on TNT Sports 3 in the UK, with coverage beginning at 5:00 PM GMT. Live streaming will be available via the Discovery+ app and website. Fans can also follow live updates and analysis through Standard Sport’s live blog, with Matt Verri reporting from the ground.
Betfair currently lists Bayer Leverkusen as 9/2 underdogs, reflecting Arsenal’s favored status. However, Arteta’s focus remains firmly on the task at hand: ensuring his team performs to its potential and earns a positive result in the first leg. He stressed the need to adapt quickly to the demands of the game, stating, “You have to, very early in the match, understand what the game is going to require, adapt to it and be better than them.”
Arsenal and Leverkusen previously met in the Champions League group stage during the 2001/02 season. The Gunners won the home leg 4-1 but drew 1-1 in Germany. This history adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming encounter, as both teams seek to gain a crucial advantage in the tie.