Team News: Granit Xhaka brought straight back into Arsenal XI

Granit Xhaka has returned to Arsenal's starting lineup for this evening's Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

The Switzerland international has missed the Gunners' last four games due to suspension, but he is eligible to feature in the first leg of the last-16 tie and comes straight back into the side.

Xhaka is one of two alterations to Arsenal's starting lineup from the 2-0 win over Hull City last weekend, coming in for Theo Walcott, while David Ospina is also preferred to Petr Cech in goal - as announced by Arsene Wenger on the eve of the match.

Back-up keeper Ospina has started just eight games for the North London outfit this term, six of which came during the group stage of this competition.

Bayern, who have defeated Arsenal at this first knockout-stage hurdle three times in the past 12 years, are without two influential players in Franck Ribery and Jerome Boateng this evening.

Javi Martinez and Douglas Costa have been selected by Carlo Ancelotti in the attack line, meaning no place for Thomas Muller, but Xabi Alonso has overcome an injury sustained earlier this week in time to feature from the off.

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Hummels, Martinez, Alaba; Alonso, Vidal; Robben, Thiago, Costa; Lewandowski Subs: Ulreich, Rafinha, Bernat, Muller, Coman, Kimmich, Sanches

Arsenal: Ospina; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Gibbs; Xhaka, Coquelin; Iwobi, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Sanchez Subs: Cech, Gabriel, Monreal, Elneny, Walcott, Welbeck, Giroud

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