Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that captain Martin Odegaard could return to action on Wednesday when the Gunners face Bayern Munich in a key Champions League fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
Odegaard, who has been sidelined since October with a knee injury, has resumed training and may feature in the squad for the highly anticipated clash. His availability would offer a significant lift as Arsenal look to extend their perfect Champions League run to five matches.
“He was very close for the previous game, so we are hopeful that tomorrow he can be in the squad,” Arteta told reporters on Tuesday.
Arsenal and Bayern began the week occupying the top two spots in their group, and a win for the Premier League leaders would further strengthen their push for a place in the knockout stages. The Gunners enter the match buoyed by a commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby.
“We have to make sure we take that energy into tomorrow’s match — play with dominance, aggression, and efficiency against a top side,” Arteta said. “These are the kind of games you want in this competition, and we’ve shown real consistency.”
Arsenal, chasing their first league title since 2004, sit six points clear of second-placed Chelsea, whom they face at the weekend. But Arteta acknowledged that Bayern remain a formidable assignment for his team, who are unbeaten in 15 straight matches in all competitions.
“Tomorrow is a big test for us to see where we stand,” he said. “Every team brings different challenges, and Bayern are in a very strong moment. The consistency they show in every metric is impressive. But it’s also a huge opportunity for us.”
Despite not conceding in the Champions League this season, Arsenal defenders know they face a demanding evening against Bayern striker Harry Kane. The former Tottenham star has scored 15 times in 21 appearances against Arsenal, including one at the Emirates in last season’s quarter-final.
Full-back Jurrien Timber expects a fierce battle with the England captain. “He’s an amazing striker with so many qualities. He’s been doing it for years and is now one of the best players in the world at Bayern,” Timber said. “It will be a good challenge for us as a team to stop him.”
Kane has started the current campaign in exceptional form, scoring 24 goals in 18 matches while Bayern remain unbeaten in all competitions. Speaking ahead of the match, he acknowledged Arsenal’s progress since his departure from England.
“They’ve gained experience in the Champions League, which has helped them improve,” he said.
Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham in 2023, hinted he may extend his stay in Germany beyond his current deal until 2027. “Moving to Bayern has been one of the best decisions of my life,” he said. “I’m open to staying longer. We’re one of the best teams in Europe, and I’m really happy here.”
