Mikel Arteta believes Bukayo Saka could be the key to swinging the balance of power in Arsenal’s favor during Tuesday’s highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.
Saka is in contention to start in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium after making two substitute appearances since recovering from a three-month injury layoff. The 23-year-old has not featured in Arsenal’s starting line-up since December 21 against Crystal Palace. However, he showed he was back to his best by scoring in his return match against Fulham last week and delivering a strong performance in Saturday’s draw at Everton.
Arsenal manager Arteta is confident that the England forward, who underwent hamstring surgery, can make a decisive impact as the Gunners aim to eliminate the reigning champions, Real Madrid. “He’s in a much better place. We’ve built him up carefully,” Arteta said. “He played 30 minutes against Fulham and 49 minutes against Everton, and after that, he’ll be in a much better position.”
For Arteta, the Champions League represents his last chance to end his five-year trophy drought, as Arsenal look to claim the tournament for the first time. The Gunners were knocked out by Bayern Munich in last season’s quarter-finals, and their only previous Champions League final appearance ended in a loss to Barcelona in 2006.
After finishing as Premier League runners-up in 2023 and 2024, Arsenal are almost certain to fall short in the title race again this season, with runaway leaders Liverpool 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal following their draw with Everton.
With that in mind, Arteta made five changes to his starting lineup against Everton to keep his key players fresh for the European clash with Carlo Ancelotti’s team. Arteta is relishing the challenge of facing Ancelotti’s 15-time European champions.
