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Confirmed line-ups: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal – Saka & Martinelli start

By on March 11, 2026

Arsenal - Martinelli and saka

Arsenal are in Germany to take on Bayer Leverkusen at the Bay Arena in the first leg of our Champions League last-16 tie, kick off 5:45pm UK time.

Mikel Arteta has recalled his big guns after resting them during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town in the FA Cup on Saturday. David Raya returns in goal with Kepa dropping to the bench while Jurrien Timber is recalled at right-back.

William Saliba is fit to return in the middle of defence while Gabriel Magalhaes is also back in the starting eleven after they missed the win over Mansfield. Cristhian Mosquera and Marli Salmon make way while Riccardo Calafiori also drops out with Piero Hincapie returning at left-back.

Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice were both given the day off at the weekend but they are recalled to start in midfield today. Martin Odegaard remains out so Eberechi Eze starts in the attacking midfield role for Arsenal.

Bukayo Saka is recalled to line-up on the right flank and he also wears the armband this evening. Gabriel Martinelli starts on the left wing with Leandro Trossard ruled out after picking up a knock at the weekend.

Viktor Gyokeres comes in to start up front for Arsenal so Gabriel Jesus drops to the bench after a poor showing on Saturday. Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke are also attacking options on the bench along with Max Dowman.

These are the line-ups for the game:

Arsenal

Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Ranson, White, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Salmon, Norgaard, Madueke, Dowman, Havertz, Jesus.

Leverkusen

Blaswich; Poku, Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba, Grimaldo; Palacios, Aleix García; Maza, Terrier; Kofane.

Subs: Omlin, Lomb, Fernandez, Hofmann, Tillman, Schick, Oermann, Tape, Culbreath.