Arsenal XI vs Real Madrid: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League today | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka set to make his first start of 2025 and Mikel Arteta faces big decision in defence

Comeback: Bukayo Saka is fit again after his hamstring injury

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Bukayo Saka is primed for his first start in more than three months when Arsenal host Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Emirates Stadium.

And asked if he’s ready to start against Real Madrid, Saka said: “Yeah, but there is only one way to find out!”

Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns from their 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday, with Mikel Merino fine after cutting his head.

Saka in training on Monday as Arsenal prepared for their showdown with Real Madrid

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Ben White was able to get through 60 minutes at Goodison Park, starting a game for the first time since November, and he could get the nod as Mikel Arteta weighs up a big decision in the Arsenal defence.

Gabriel is out with a hamstring injury that will force him to be miss the rest of the season.

It means Arteta could turn to White, if he decides not to play Jakub Kiwior at centre-back alongside William Saliba.

Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey should be Arsenal’s midfield trio. Odegaard and Partey were both named on the bench at Everton.

In attack, Merino may lead the line once more, although Leandro Trossard is an option after starting and scoring there against Everton at the weekend.

Raheem Sterling is suspended.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli

Injured: Calafiori (knee), Gabriel (hamstring), Havertz (hamstring), Jesus (knee), Tomiyasu (knee)

Suspended: Sterling

Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Kacurri, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Saka and Trossard

Time and date: 8pm BST on Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Referee: Irfan Peljto

How to watch: Amazon Prime