Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, has announced that star players Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber will not participate in the crucial Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. This comes after Odegaard has been sidelined with a knee injury for five games, and Timber sustained an injury during a recent match against Everton. Their absence could significantly affect Arsenal's strategy as they prepare for this second leg of the round-of-16 Champions League tie.

Despite these setbacks, Arsenal has received a positive update with the return of Leandro Trossard to training. His involvement in the upcoming match against Bayer Leverkusen is expected to bolster the team's lineup and provide much-needed support in the attack. The Gunners aim to improve on their previous 1-1 draw against the Bundesliga side, and Trossard's return comes at a crucial time to enhance their chances of advancing in the tournament.

The match on Tuesday is pivotal for Arsenal as they seek to progress in the Champions League after a challenging start. With important players missing, the team must adapt to maintain their competitive edge against Bayer Leverkusen, who proved to be a tough opponent in the first leg. The outcome of this tie could have significant implications for Arsenal’s aspirations in European football this season.