Arsenal Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of Champions League Clash

Key players William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, and others suffer setbacks in FA Cup match

Mar. 10, 2026 at 3:50pm

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Arsenal's season has been filled with promise, but the team now faces a number of injury concerns ahead of their crucial Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. Defender William Saliba suffered an ankle injury, while forward Leandro Trossard and defender Riccardo Calafiori also picked up knocks in the FA Cup tie against Mansfield. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta must now assess the fitness of several key players as the club aims to maintain its momentum in multiple competitions.

Why it matters

Arsenal's defensive stability and attacking depth have been central to their success this season, so the potential absences of players like Saliba, Trossard, and others could significantly impact the team's performance in the Champions League and other crucial matches down the stretch.

The details

Saliba's ankle injury is particularly concerning, as the French defender has become an essential part of Arsenal's backline. Trossard and Calafiori also suffered unspecified "niggles" that forced them off the pitch during the Mansfield match. Beyond the new injuries, Arsenal continue to monitor the recovery of players like Martin Odegaard and Ben White, who have missed recent games due to their own fitness issues.

  • Saliba's injury originated during Arsenal's match against Chelsea on an unspecified date.
  • Trossard and Calafiori picked up their injuries during Arsenal's FA Cup tie against Mansfield on March 10, 2026.

The players

William Saliba

A French defender who has become a key part of Arsenal's backline this season.

Leandro Trossard

A Belgian forward who was forced off injured in the first half of Arsenal's FA Cup match against Mansfield.

Riccardo Calafiori

An Arsenal defender who also had to be substituted in the FA Cup tie against Mansfield due to an injury.

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal's club captain who has missed recent matches due to a knee injury.

Ben White

An Arsenal defender who is recovering from a minor knock that has kept him out of recent games.

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What they’re saying

“No, it's the other one. We thought the same straight after the game because he wasn't comfortable to finish the game. After straightaway he didn't have a good feeling so let's see if he recovers quickly.”

— Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager

“The most important thing is that he recovers completely and is good for us in the summer. For those of us who care about the World Cup, it's not a disaster that he's getting some breaks now. He's going to rebuild and be crucial for Arsenal in April-May and maybe late March.”

— Stale Solbakken, Norway National Team Manager

What’s next

Arsenal will monitor the fitness of Saliba, Trossard, Calafiori and other injured players ahead of their Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. The club will provide updates on the players' recovery progress in the coming days.

The takeaway

Arsenal's depth and defensive solidity have been central to their success this season, so the potential absences of key players like Saliba could significantly impact the team's performance in crucial matches. Navigating these injury concerns will be a major challenge for Mikel Arteta and his staff as they aim to maintain the club's momentum in multiple competitions.