A preview of Wednesday's Champions League round of 16 first-leg between Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal outlines a challenging test for Leverkusen as they host the Premier League leaders.
Leverkusen advanced to this stage by defeating Olympiacos 2-0 on aggregate, while Arsenal progressed as group winners. In recent form, Leverkusen have won only one of their last five matches across all competitions, drawing three, including a 3-3 draw with Freiburg after surrendering a late lead. Arsenal have won four in a row, most recently beating Mansfield 2-1 in the FA Cup, a match in which several key players were rested.
The two clubs last met in the Champions League in 2002, with a 1-1 first leg and a 4-1 Arsenal win in the return fixture.
Team news indicates Leverkusen are dealing with a lengthy injury list, with players including a few sidelined by muscle injuries and other issues; Patrik Schick could return to the squad after a recent absence. Arsenal will be without William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, and Mikel Merino due to injuries.
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