Bayern Munich v Arsenal team news: Laurent Koscielny wins his fitness battle to start for the Gunners, 18-year-old Isaac Hayden on Arsenal bench

French defender had been a doubt with a hamstring injury

Laurent Koscielny will start for Arsenal against Bayern Munich (GETTY IMAGES)

Laurent Koscielny has won his fitness battle to start for Arsenal in their crucial Champions League last-16 second leg fixture at the Allianz Arena.

The French defender had missed Arsenal's 4-1 FA Cup victory over Everton on Saturday with a hamstring problem.

Elsewhere, club-captain Thomas Vermaelen starts at left-back with Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal sidelined.

Lukas Podolski comes in for Mathieu Flamini, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain moving to the centre of midfield.

In addition, Arsenal have brought only six substitutes to Munich, including the 18-year-old Isaac Hayden, who has made just one previous appearance for the Gunners - starting in the League Cup penalty victory at West Brom in September. Ryo Miyaichi travelled, but was reportedly not eligible to play.

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Bayern Munich: Neuer, Lahm, Martinez, Dante, Alaba; Schweinsteiger, Thiago; Robben Gotze, Ribery; Mandzukic.

Subs: Starke, Van Buyten, Rafinha, Pizarro, Boateng, Muller, Kroos.

Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen; Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Cazorla, Ozil, Podolski; Giroud.

Subs: Viviano, Rosicky, Flamini, Jenkinson, Gnabry, Hayden.