Bukayo Saka is back in the starting XI for Arsenal as they take on Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. After coming on as a substitute in the last two matches, the England international is now fit to start and will play a key role tonight at the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka spent three months on the sidelines after he picked up a hamstring injury against Fulham on December 21. But he marked his return with a goal off the bench in Arsenal’s last home game and followed it up by playing the second half away at Everton over the weekend.
Five Changes for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta makes five changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Everton at Goodison Park. Joining Saka in the starting XI are
- Jurrien Timber
- Thomas Partey
- Gabriel Martinelli
- Martin Odegaard
With these changes, Mikel Merino will likely continue in the false nine role, while Leandro Trossard—who scored at the weekend—moves to the bench.
In defense, Gabriel misses out due to injury, so Jakub Kiwior once again partners William Saliba at center back. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber take the full-back positions.
It’s worth noting that Declan Rice, Timber, and Martinelli will be suspended for the second leg if they pick up a yellow card tonight.
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Sterling Suspended, Madrid Make Five Changes Too
On the other side, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is the most decorated coach in Champions League history. Also rings in five changes following his team’s dramatic 95th-minute loss to Valencia on Saturday.
The only defender to keep his place is Antonio Rudiger.
- Thibaut Courtois returns in goal after a brief injury spell, replacing the young Fran Gonzalez, who moves to the bench.
- Marco Ascencio steps in for the suspended Aurelien Tchouameni, slotting into the backline alongside Rudiger.
- David Alaba replaces Fran Garcia at left-back.
- Federico Valverde resumes his makeshift role at right-back, with Lucas Vazquez named among the substitutes.
- In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga fills Valverde’s spot next to Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham.
In attack, Rodrygo gets the nod over Brahim Diaz and will start alongside Vinicius Jr. and superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Madrid will need to be cautious—Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Modric, Camavinga, Endrick, Vazquez, and Rudiger are all one yellow card away from missing the return leg.
Confirmed Starting Line
Arsenal XI:
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Merino
Substitutes: Neto, Setford, Tierney, White, Zinchenko, Trossard, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji, Gower, Nwaneri
Real Madrid XI:
Courtois, Valverde, Ascencio, Rudiger, Alaba, Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe
Substitutes: Gonzalez, Mestre, Vazquez, Lorenzo, Fran Garcia, Vallejo, Jacobo, Andres, Guler, Diaz, Endrick, G. Garcia
Key Suspension Watch
- Arsenal: Rice, Timber, Martinelli (1 yellow from suspension)
- Real Madrid: Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Modric, Camavinga, Endrick, Vazquez, Rudiger (1 yellow from suspension)
This high-stakes encounter at the Emirates promises fireworks as two European heavyweights go. Head-to-head for a place in the Champions League semi-finals. Stay tuned!
