Arsenal plans to keep an unchanged starting lineup against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, with some players returning from injury but key absences remaining.
According to a report from The Hard Tackle, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is poised to deploy an unchanged starting XI when the Gunners face Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium.
The article notes that key Attacks: Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli have returned to the matchday squad following their involvement last weekend.
Moreover, Ødegaard — sidelined by injury — is “on the verge of returning,” with Arteta hopeful the club captain could feature in midweek.
Despite that positive update, defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Kai Havertz remain sidelined, and Viktor Gyökeres is still unavailable.
The predicted formation is a 4-2-3-1, with David Raya in goal. The defensive line is expected to consist of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori.
In midfield, the pair of Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice is set to operate as the double pivot.
The creative and attacking duties should fall to Eberechi Eze as the number 10, flanked by Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, with Mikel Merino leading the line until either Gyökeres or Havertz regain fitness.
If Ødegaard does return, it will give Arsenal a significant boost ahead of the high-stakes Champions League showdown, while maintaining tactical continuity and stability in a key fixture.