UEFA has officially released Arsenal’s squad list for the upcoming Champions League campaign. This season will be the second under the competition’s new league phase system, which has introduced further rule changes. One major advantage of the new format is that higher-placed teams in the league phase will earn the right to play the second leg of their knockout ties at home. Last year, Arsenal were unlucky in the draw and had to travel away to both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but under the revised rules they would have enjoyed the return legs at the Emirates.
Arsenal endured a difficult end to last season, struggling with injuries to several key players. In total, the team suffered 27 separate player injuries, which left them severely weakened for the semi-finals. Mikel Merino was forced to play as a makeshift striker, while Jakub Kiwior filled in for Gabriel Magalhaes. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both missed the latter half of the season, Jurrien Timber played despite carrying a problem, and Ben White was only fit enough for the bench. Captain Martin Ødegaard started even after limping off in the previous match.
The official squad list notably excludes Gabriel Jesus. It remains unclear whether this signals a longer recovery time for the Brazilian forward. Despite losing several players this season—including Havertz, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Christian Norgaard, White, and Ødegaard—new sporting director Andrea Berta has built a stronger, deeper squad through summer reinforcements.
Arsenal’s Champions League draw looks favorable. They will host Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, Olympiacos, and FC Kairat at the Emirates Stadium, while traveling to face Inter Milan, Club Brugge, Slavia Praha, and Athletic Club. Statistically, it is considered the third-easiest draw of all 36 clubs, giving the Gunners real hope of securing a high finish in the league phase.
As expected, all eight of Arsenal’s new signings have been registered in the 25-man squad. Rising star Max Dowman, just 15 years old, has also been included. If he makes an appearance, he would become the youngest player in Champions League history, breaking the record set by Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko. Dowman will initially take a spot on Arsenal’s ‘A’ list, but once he turns 16 in December, he will be eligible for the ‘B’ list in the knockout rounds. Fellow academy talents Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly remain available for selection without registration until they turn 21.
Arsenal Champions League Squad (Goalkeepers Only Shown)
Goalkeepers: Raya, Kepa, Setford
(The full 25-man squad includes all eight summer signings and selected academy players.)
