Arsenal Vs Bayern Munich: Gunners Hopeful Martin Odegaard Will Be Available For Champions League Showdown | Football News
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The Norwegian midfielder’s inclusion would be a significant boost for Arsenal.
Martin Odegaard is recovering from a knee injury. (AP Photo)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that club captain Martin Odegaard is being considered for a return from injury for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich. Odegaard, who has been out since October with a knee injury, returned to training ahead of Bayern’s visit to the Emirates Stadium.
The Norwegian midfielder’s inclusion would be a significant boost for Arsenal as they aim for their fifth consecutive Champions League win this season.
“He was very close in the previous game, so we hope he can be in the team tomorrow,” Arteta told reporters on Tuesday.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich currently occupy the top two places in the Champions League standings. The Gunners are eager to boost their ambition for a place in the last 16 with a victory over the German champions. Arteta’s side go into the highly anticipated match off the back of a thumping 4-1 win over Tottenham in the Premier League.
“We have to make sure we bring the same energy to the stadium tomorrow, to every individual, and play with the same dominance, aggression and efficiency against a top team,” Arteta said. “That’s the kind of competitive game we want to face, and we’ve been very consistent.”
Arsenal, seeking their first English title since 2004, are currently six points ahead of second-placed Chelsea, who host the league leaders on Sunday. However, Arteta is aware that Bayern pose a significant challenge to his side’s 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
“Tomorrow is a big test for us to see where we are,” he remarked. “Every opponent brings different challenges. Bayern are in a big moment. The level of consistency they are showing in results and performances, in all parameters, is very impressive. We know that. But it is also a huge opportunity for us to show our abilities.”
Arsenal have yet to concede a single goal in the Champions League this season. However, full-back Jurrien Timber admits the difficulty of stopping Bayern striker Harry Kane.
The England captain has scored 15 goals in 21 matches against Arsenal, including one for Bayern at the Emirates in the first leg of their 2024 quarter-final.
Timber is looking forward to the challenge of containing Kane as the former Tottenham star returns to north London.
“I think he’s an extraordinary striker. Everyone knows that,” said the Dutchman. “He has so many qualities. He has been playing at a high level for a long time and now at Bayern Munich he is one of the best players in the world. So it will be a great challenge for us as a team and as defenders to stop him tomorrow.”
Kane has been in exceptional form for Bayern this season, scoring 24 goals in 18 games in all competitions, while Bayern have won 17 and drawn one of their 18 matches this campaign.
On Tuesday, Kane acknowledged Arsenal’s improvement since leaving England. “They gained experience in the Champions League, which made them better and helped them grow,” he said.
The 32-year-old striker, who left Spurs for Bayern in 2023, has hinted at a possible extension of his contract in Germany beyond 2027.
“The move to Bayern was one of the best decisions of my life. I am completely willing to stay longer. We are one of the best teams in Europe. I don’t look at any other team and say ‘I want to go there’. I’m really happy here and I don’t see anything changing in the future.”
With AFP entries
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and currently works with Network18 as a senior correspondent. He embarked on his adventure in 2011 and has since acquired extensive experience in digital…Learn more
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and currently works with Network18 as a senior correspondent. He embarked on his adventure in 2011 and has since acquired extensive experience in digital… Learn more
November 26, 2025, 09:56 IST
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