Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Bukayo Saka to make a game-changing impact in Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final showdown against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka, 23, is pushing for a return to the starting line-up after recovering from a lengthy hamstring injury that sidelined him for over three months. The England international marked his comeback with a goal against Fulham and impressed during Saturday’s draw at Everton.
“He’s in a much better place,” Arteta said ahead of the highly anticipated clash. “He played 30 minutes against Fulham and 49 against Everton. After that, he will be in a much better place.”
With Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes fading — they trail leaders Liverpool by 11 points — the Champions League remains Arteta’s final opportunity to secure silverware this season and end a five-year trophy drought.
Arsenal, aiming for their first Champions League crown, face a tough challenge in 15-time winners Real Madrid. The Gunners have only reached the final once, in 2006, when they lost to Barcelona.
“This is one of the most beautiful games you can play,” Arteta said. “It’s the highest level in European football, and we’re up against the dominant force in the competition over the last 20 to 25 years.”
Arteta, who made five changes against Everton to preserve his key players for the Real Madrid clash, now faces a defensive selection headache. With Gabriel Magalhaes out for the season, Jakub Kiwior stepped in at the weekend, but the manager may opt to shift Ben White to centre-back and bring in Jurrien Timber at right-back.
“We have alternatives,” said Arteta. “Ben hasn’t played much this season, so it’s important for him to get minutes and build understanding with the others.”
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino is expected to be available despite suffering a head injury at Goodison Park, and Leandro Trossard — who scored his first league goal since January — hopes to retain his place in the starting XI.
“I’m very excited, it’s a big game for us,” Trossard said. “We know how good they are. They’ve won the most Champions Leagues in history. Hopefully, the atmosphere will be electric — we’ll need that advantage at home.”
Arsenal host Real Madrid in the first leg before heading to the Santiago Bernabéu for the return leg next week.
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