Champions League 2025-2026: Arsenal hoping for Odegaard’s return for the showdown against Bayern Munich

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is in contention to return from injury for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

Odegaard has been out of action since October due to a knee injury but is back in training ahead of Bayern’s visit to the Emirates Stadium.

The Norwegian midfielder’s presence in the starting line-up would be a significant boost for Arsenal as they look to make it five consecutive Champions League wins this season.

“He was very close in the last game, so we are hopeful that he can be in the squad tomorrow,” Arteta told reporters on Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Real Madrid’s Courtois and Huijsen eliminated for Champions League trip to Olympiacos

Arsenal and Bayern started this week as the top two in the Champions League, with the Gunners hoping to step up their bid to reach the last 16 by beating the German champions.

Arteta’s side go into the highly anticipated match basking in Sunday’s 4-1 defeat of their north London rivals Tottenham in the Premier League.

“We have to make sure we bring that energy back to the stadium tomorrow, to every individual, and play with the same dominance, aggression and efficiency against a top team,” Arteta said.

“This is the type of league game we want to play and we have been very consistent.”

Arsenal are chasing a first English title since 2004 and are six points clear of second-placed Chelsea, who host the leaders on Sunday.

But before that summit, Arteta knows Bayern pose a major threat to his team’s 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

“Tomorrow is a great test for us to see where we stand,” he said.

“Each opponent brings different challenges. It’s clear they are in a great moment.

“The level of consistency they show in results and performance, in every metric they have, is very, very impressive. We know that.

“But it is also a huge opportunity for us to show what we are capable of.”

Arsenal are yet to concede a goal in the Champions League this season, but full-back Jurrien Timber is well aware he faces a huge task in stopping Bayern striker Harry Kane.

The England captain has scored 15 goals in 21 games against the Gunners, including one for Bayern at the Emirates in the first leg of their 2024 quarter-final.

Timber is relishing the challenge of signing Kane upon the former Tottenham star’s return to north London.

«I think he’s a great striker. Everyone knows that,» said the Dutchman.

«He has so many qualities. He has been doing it for so long 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.»

Published on November 25, 2025