Arsenal fitness update for Leverkusen first leg
Feature hails Saliba-Gabriel as a complete pairing, strong in buildup, pressing and set-pieces, with coach Gabriel Heinze credited for sharpening their ball-playing and mentality.
Arsenal cool interest in Tonali, weigh a free move for Dortmund’s Julian Brandt. PSR caution may shape summer business as Arteta’s side chase four trophies.
Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand calls Arsenal ‘perhaps the best team in Europe’, noting their perfect league phase, yet insists his side believe and will push for a first-leg result.
Ex-vice chairman David Dein recalls his 2007 Arsenal exit, saying ‘jealousy and fear’ drove the swift axing during boardroom power shifts and outside investment debates.
Arteta confirms Saliba is fit for Leverkusen but Ødegaard misses out with a knee injury. Rice, Zubimendi and Gabriel are available, while Trossard and Calafiori are late possibilities.
Arteta says Arsenal belong among Europe’s best but must show it vs Leverkusen. Saliba, Gabriel, Rice and Zubimendi are fit; Trossard and Calafiori are doubts, Ødegaard is out for the first leg.
Arsenal are tracking Julian Brandt ahead of a potential free transfer, with Barcelona also keen. Dortmund director Lars Ricken says his expiring deal will not be renewed.
Havertz says knee injury was the ‘most painful’ of his life but has given him ‘new hunger’. With Ødegaard out, the ex-Leverkusen forward is expected to start in the last-16 first leg.
Preview tips Leverkusen vs Arsenal with the Gunners backed to take a narrow first-leg lead, citing hosts’ shortages and Arsenal’s flawless league phase.
Rice plays down Ballon d’Or talk, saying ‘there’s still so long to go’ and trophies matter. He focuses on maintaining form as a key figure in Arsenal’s pursuit of honours.
Report links Arsenal with Antonio Rüdiger, who could leave Real Madrid on a free. The club view his leadership and Premier League experience as valuable for defensive depth.
