Mikel Arteta is confident that Bukayo Saka can sway the outcome in Arsenal’s favour during Tuesday’s much-anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, which promises to be “a beautiful” encounter.
Saka is set to be in the squad for the first leg at the Emirates Stadium after making a comeback from a three-month absence with two substitute outings.
The 23-year-old hasn’t started a match for Arsenal since December 21 when they faced Crystal Palace.
However, Saka showcased that he’s back in form by finding the net in his first game after returning against Fulham last week and delivering an impressive performance in Saturday’s draw with Everton.
Gunners boss Arteta believes the England international, who underwent surgery for a hamstring injury, can make a significant impact as Arsenal aim to knock out the defending champions, Real Madrid.
“He’s in a much better place. Obviously, we have built that up,” Arteta mentioned.
“He played 30 minutes against Fulham and then 49 against Everton, and after that, he will be in an even better condition.“
The Champions League presents Arteta’s final opportunity this season to end his five-year trophy drought, as Arsenal pursues their maiden victory in the tournament.
After being eliminated by Bayern Munich in last year’s quarter-finals, the Gunners’ only appearance in a Champions League final was a defeat to Barcelona in 2006.
After finishing second in the Premier League in both 2023 and 2024, Arsenal likely faces another near miss in the title race.
Current leaders Liverpool are a staggering 11 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal following Arteta’s men’s draw with Everton over the weekend.
In light of this, Arteta made five changes in the match against Everton to preserve his key players for the European challenge against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Arteta is eager to test his tactical mettle against Ancelotti’s squad, who have a rich history in European football.
“It’s one of the most beautiful matches you can play in football, at the highest level of European competition, against a team that has dominated that arena for the last 20 or 25 years. I’m really looking forward to it,” he expressed.
‘We understand the challenge ahead’
Arteta faces a tricky selection decision regarding who should partner William Saliba in defence, with Gabriel Magalhaes sidelined for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
Jakub Kiwior filled the role against Everton, but the attacking threats posed by Real’s Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior will undoubtedly present far greater challenges than those from Everton’s Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Arteta might opt to move Ben White, who made his first Premier League start since November at Goodison Park, into central defence and bring Jurrien Timber in at right-back.
“We have alternatives available. We had players on the pitch against Everton that hadn’t played together, so that cohesion was lacking,” Arteta noted.
“Especially Ben hasn’t featured much this season, so it’s positive that they have more minutes and have begun to build that understanding.
“We’ll evaluate which options are best for our defensive setup.”
Arteta should also have Spain’s Mikel Merino at his disposal, who has stepped up as an emergency striker due to the injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Merino sustained a head injury during the match against Everton, but Arteta confirmed, “He’s fine. He had a cut and was bleeding quite a bit early on.“
Following his return to scoring form with his first league goal since January, Arsenal’s Belgian forward Leandro Trossard is eager to prove to Arteta that he deserves a starting spot against Real Madrid.
“I’m really excited; this is a massive game for us,” said Trossard. “Everyone, not just the players but also the fans, is ready for it.”
“We know the challenge they present. They hold the record for the most Champions League victories, so we’re aware of the task at hand.”
“I hope the atmosphere will be electric because we’re going to need it. The first leg is at home, so we hope to gain an advantage there.“
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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