Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup
Arsenal head into tonight’s Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich with a mix of anticipation and determination. The Emirates will expect intensity, but also clarity, as Mikel Arteta manages a team strained by injuries but buoyed by the return of his influence. At the center of that hope is Martin Odegaard, captain, conductor and emotional hinge on whom much of Arsenal’s pace depends.
Odegaard hasn’t played in almost two months. His knee injury came at the worst possible time, slowing Arsenal down just as matches were starting to get tighter. Still, the sight of him in practice Tuesday had both staff and fans in stitches. Arteta confirmed the midfielder’s progress in a calm but encouraging manner. “We will have a meeting now to also decide the fate of Martin. He was very close in the previous match. We hope that tomorrow he can also be in the team.”
This is a night where Arsenal need presence. Bayern Munich bring a confidence forged by years of European familiarity, and even with personnel changes, the threat remains as strong as ever.
Planned programming of fitness running forms
Arsenal, however, remain without a recognized striker. Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres were absent from training, extending a frustrating period on the sidelines. Havertz has been out since August with a knee problem, while Gyokeres continues his recovery from a recent hamstring strain.
Arteta offered cautious optimism. “Really good both,” he said of the Swede and the German. “So in the next few days, again, I think they’re going to do another analysis to see how everything is going and whether we can push them, or not, for the weekend or the next game.
Gabriel Jesus is in full training but will undergo a friendly match behind closed doors before joining the competition. “It’s pretty close, to be honest, and sooner than expected,” Arteta said. “In the next few days, he’s going to have another step to take with a match that we’re going to organize for him. After that, he’s just going to knock on the door.”
Defensive decisions and options for young people
In defense, Arsenal will once again be without Gabriel Magalhaes, who has been absent for several weeks due to a thigh injury. Piero Hincapie should retain his place after playing maturely in the win over Tottenham, his first Premier League start and an impressive one.
Myles Lewis-Skelly could feature at left-back, providing athleticism and composure in possession, while Ben White remains a solid option on the opposite flank.
Wide options provide Arsenal stability
In attack, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke have returned available, easing pressure on Arsenal’s wing options. Neither is likely to start, but their presence on the bench provides balance and late-match impact if needed. It’s the small margins that count in elite competition.
Arsenal predicted line-up
Arsenal predicted XI, 4-3-3:
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Merino, Trossard.
Doubts: Jesus (knee)
Injured: Gabriel (thigh), Gyokeres (hamstring), Havertz (knee)
Time and date: 8:00 p.m. BST Wednesday 26 November 2025
Location: Emirates Stadium
How to watch: TNT Sports
Tonight provides another test of Arsenal’s resilience, character and depth. A planned lineup shaped by necessity can still rise to the occasion, and against Bayern Munich, the margins will matter as much as the moments.