Arsenal travels to the BayArena on Wednesday evening in the Champions League last 16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners are overwhelming favourites after finishing top of the league phase with a perfect eight wins from eight matches, while the German side scraped through via the playoff route with victory over Olympiacos.

Mikel Arteta’s side were absolutely flawless in the league phase, with victories over Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan demonstrating their credentials. Arsenal boasted both the best attack, with 23 goals scored, and the best defence, with just four conceded, across those eight matches. The winners progress to a quarter final where they cannot face Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG, Bayern, or Manchester City.

Kick-off: 17:45 GMT, Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: TNT Sports

Saliba, Odegaard and White Doubts for Arsenal

The biggest concerns for Arsenal are William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White, who are all doubts after missing the weekend FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town. Saliba’s ankle problem looks the most serious while Odegaard continues managing a knee issue. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were also withdrawn with issues over the weekend.

The positive news is David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes all returning after being rested for Mansfield. Piero Hincapie is eligible to face his parent club this week.

Leverkusen Missing Seven Key Players

Bayer Leverkusen will be without Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Arthur, Lucas Vazquez, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Nathan Tella, and Patrik Schick through various injuries. This is a massive blow for Kasper Hjulmand’s side, who have won just one of their last five matches. Christian Kofane should lead the line with Jarell Quansah starting in defence.

Former Denmark boss Hjulmand has steadied the ship domestically, with Leverkusen unbeaten in six home matches, conceding just one goal in 540 minutes at the BayArena.

Predicted Lineups

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Blaswich, Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba, Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo, Maza, Terrier, Kofane

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres

Also read: Arsenal Legend Confirmed for Soccer Aid Debut as Scotland Icon Joins World XI Alongside USWNT Star Ali Krieger in May Charity Match

Manchester United Women will be without full back Anna Sandberg for at least another month after Marc Skinner confirmed the Swedish defender requires surgery on a meniscus problem. The Red Devils boss revealed the injury timeline ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid at Leigh Sports Village.

Sandberg last played for United in the first leg against Atletico but was hauled off after just 49 minutes and replaced by Gabrielle George. The 22 year old has been a regular fixture in Skinner’s side this season, and her absence represents a significant blow to United’s defensive options during a crucial period.

Best Case Scenario is Four Weeks

Skinner revealed there needs to be a tidy up around Sandberg’s meniscus and provided a timeline for her potential return. “From the time frame we’ve been given, the best is four, the middle is six and obviously the worst case is eight. If it was eight, she would probably be back three or four games before the end of the season. We’re hopeful we can get it to six but won’t take any risk.”

The United boss emphasized they will not rush Sandberg back given her age and importance to the squad’s long term plans. This is smart management from Skinner, who cannot afford to jeopardize the defender’s career by rushing her rehabilitation.

Numbers Thinning at Left Back

With Sandberg ruled out and Fridolina Rolfo missing the first leg plus the London City Lionesses match, Skinner has a genuine headache at left back. Gabrielle George appears to be the only natural option available for Thursday’s clash, leaving United desperately thin in that position.

Ella Toone also remains out but could return for the crucial Manchester derby against City in March. United sits eight points behind the runaway leaders and needs to be perfect in their remaining fixtures while hoping City stumbles.

Also read: Tottenham Women Equal Club Record After Thrashing Aston Villa 7-3, Match Impressive Run From 2021/22

Manchester United Women host Atletico Madrid at the Progress with Unity Stadium on Thursday evening in the Women’s Champions League knockout phase playoff second leg. The Red Devils are firmly in the driving seat after a dominant 3-0 victory in the Spanish capital last week, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.

Marc Skinner’s side were absolutely clinical in Madrid, with goals from Elisabeth Terland, Melvine Malard, and Julia Zigiotti Olme putting United firmly in control of this tie. Atletico need to score at least four goals to progress, which looks virtually impossible given how solid United have been defensively in Europe this season. The winners face Bayern Munich in the quarter finals.

Kick-off: 20:00 GMT, Thursday, February 19, 2026
Venue: Progress with Unity Stadium, Leigh
TV: Disney+

Malard Doubts After Missing Weekend Fixture

The biggest concern for United is Melvine Malard, who missed Sunday’s 2-1 victory over London City Lionesses through injury. The first leg goalscorer remains a doubt for Thursday evening, which would be a significant blow to Skinner’s attacking options. Leah Galton and Ella Toone continue their long term absences alongside Anna Sandberg.

The positive news is that Fridolina Rolfo is returning to contention after missing both the first leg and the weekend fixture. Her experience could prove crucial if United need to see out the tie professionally.

Atletico Missing Key Defender Lloris

Atletico Madrid will be without Silvia Lloris after the defender ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in last week’s first leg. This is a massive blow for Victor Martin’s side, who were already facing an uphill battle. Gio Garbelini could return to the squad after making her comeback from a long term injury that kept her out since October.

Fiamma Benitez has been outstanding in this competition with four goals and three assists, but even she cannot drag Atletico back into this tie single handedly.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United (4-3-3): Tullis-Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, George; Miyazawa, Zigiotti Olme, Awujo; Wangerheim, Terland, Park

Atletico Madrid (4-3-3): Gallardo; Alexia, Pérez, Lauren, Menayo; Benitez, Bartel, Medina; Jensen, Sarriegi, Luany

Also read: Tottenham Women Equal Club Record After Thrashing Aston Villa 7-3, Match Impressive Run From 2021/22