Mikel Arteta urges 'focused' Arsenal to finish job against Leverkusen

The tie remains finely balanced at 1-1 after the first leg, where a late penalty from Kai Havertz rescued Arsenal against his former club.

Speaking ahead of the second leg, Arteta stressed the importance of getting every detail right. "A lot of factors will contribute for us to be in the quarter-finals," he said. "We need to have every element in our favour to achieve that."

Leverkusen arrived in strong form after holding Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw, and Arteta admitted the challenge would be significant. "Watching them play against Bayern, it was very similar," he explained. "They are really well coached, with a clear structure."

Despite Arsenal's strong position domestically, with the club leading the Premier League and still competing in multiple competitions, Arteta made it clear that focus must remain on the task at hand. "We know what we have to do in front of our crowd and hopefully we are going to do it," he said.

In terms of team news, Arsenal will be without captain Martin Odegaard and defender Jurrien Timber. However, is was a boost with Leandro Trossard declared fit, while Ben White returned to training.

Arteta remained hopeful about his squad's depth but cautious about injuries. "With Timber it will be a matter of days, so I'm not sure," he said. "We need everybody available. We know what Ben White gives us - he trained today, so he is good."

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Arsenal knew a disciplined and complete display would be required to overcome a well-drilled Leverkusen side.

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