Mikel Arteta Confirms Odegaard Out, Saliba Fit for Leverkusen Tie

Mikel Arteta UCL Press Conference 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirms Martin Odegaard will miss first leg against Bayer Leverkusen, while William Saliba is fit to play.

“I live in ‌the present, and I prepare for everything that I expect, and I feel inspired to inspire those players...”

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that centre back William Saliba is fit to feature in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen, while captain Martin Odegaard has been ruled out. Saliba returns to bolster the defence, which is otherwise at full strength, after missing Arsenal's last two matches with an ankle injury.

Focused on this moment. pic.twitter.com/qLkNMvzu8n

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 10, 2026

Arteta also mentioned that Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard are possibilities for the match, while Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi are all available. Odegaard's absence leaves Arsenal without their creative hub in midfield. The first leg is set to take place on Wednesday at the BayArena, with the return leg at the Emirates Stadium next week.

However, Odegaard's absence leaves Arsenal without their creative hub in midfield.

Fitness updates on Riccardo Calafiori, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 10, 2026

Arteta added that Riccardo ‌Calafiori and Leandro Trossard “are a possibility, ⁠we will see ‌tomorrow,” while Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are all available.

Arsenal's UCL dream ended in the semis last season. They're hungry for that top spot.

“Yes, you learn about ⁠the things you did well. You learn about the things you can improve,” Arteta said. “This is football and you have to show it tomorrow night.

“Champions League is ‌about the day, and within that day, there are moments.”

Arsenal's 2-1 win over Mansfield secured their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals, sparking talk about a potential quadruple -- Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup trophies in the same season. Eberechi Eze's stunning goal sealed the victory, keeping Arsenal's dreams alive. They're currently top of the Premier League and have a Carabao Cup final against Manchester City looming.

Arsenal currently top the Premier League standings.

Read Also: Arsenal's Set-Piece Mastery Sparks Debate Ahead of Leverkusen Clash

Asked whether he believes his ‌side are ready to win major trophies this season, Arteta kept the focus narrow.

“I live in ‌the present, and I prepare for everything that I expect, and I feel inspired to inspire those players to play the same way,” he said. “This is football, there is so ⁠much to do.”