Tribal Football

Arteta says "we know what we have to do" as Arsenal attempt to bypass Leverkusen

Arteta says "we know what we have to do" as Arsenal attempt to bypass Leverkusen
Arteta says "we know what we have to do" as Arsenal attempt to bypass LeverkusenAction Images via Reuters

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media as he prepares to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

Arsenal host Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their last-16 showdown after drawing 1-1 in the first leg with the Gunners trailing until Kai Havertz levelled the score in the final minutes. 

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Despite losing their 100% winning record in this season's Champions League, the Gunners will be filled with confidence as they aim to progress to the next stage in front of their home fans. 

Team news

Speaking first on team news, Arteta spoke on the fitness of Jurrien Timber and Ben White as well as a number of players who are returning to the side ahead of the clash.

"With (Jurrien Timber's injury) it will be a matter of days, so I'm not sure (on his availability). 

"We need everybody available. We know what (Ben White) gives us. He trained today, so he is good. We need everybody's contribution.

"I think Noni (Madueke) has got the personality to step in when things are difficult and he has the potential to deliver for sure."

On Odegaard and Timber: "Yes both of them are out."

On Leandro Trossard: "He's okay, he felt good."

Arteta praises Leverkusen

He then moved on from team news and spoke on what he is expecting from Bayer Leverkusen who have lost just one of their last 14 games in all tournaments under manager Kasper Hjulmand.

"Watching them play against Bayern Munich at the weekend, very similar. Really well coached, clear structure.

"We know what we have to do in front of our crowd. Hopefully we are going to do it."

Finally, he commented on Max Dowman who became the Premier League's youngest goalscorer after he scored in a 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday that helped the Gunners move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.

"The most important one is his family, he's in a very good place there as well. He is used to a lot of things, he takes it normally and knows what the sport is about."

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