Arsenal could name a strong lineup to face Real Madrid at the Emirates as Mikel Arteta will recall his main stars, including Bukayo Saka, into the starting eleven.
Arsenal are set to face Real Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday, which Mikel Arteta described as possibly the biggest game in the last two decades. The Gunners last faced the UEFA Champions League holders and went past them in 2006, and the fans will hope for a repeat of that performance or even better.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked about the fitness of his players. The Gunners boss called for togetherness and insisted that most of the stars from the Everton game were fit to continue.
On the fitness of his players, Arteta said, “Yeah, looks like it. We have another training session this afternoon, but Ben finished the game. We had to stop him over time because he hadn’t played much football, but he was fine after the game. And with the rest, they went through the game and they were able to do some bits yesterday and ready to train today.”
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka came through unscathed in a second game running since returning from a long-term injury. While he is yet to start a game since, the winger has played two cameos including an entire half against Everton, and Arteta was asked whether he was ready to start against Real Madrid.
Arteta said, “He’s in a much better place. Gradually, we have built his minutes in the last six or seven days. He’s coped with that really well and he’s in a good place to be able to be used.”
In terms of his team selection, Arteta is expected to recall several players he rested for the Everton clash. However, the Spaniard could retain the central defensive partnership between William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior, with Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly starting as the full-backs.
Arteta may have the choice to use Ben White alongside Saliba, but the defender’s match fitness remains questionable. Thomas Partey was completely rested at the weekend, and he should start at the base of Arsenal’s midfield, with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice on either side on him.
Mikel Merino will continue to lead the line despite Leandro Trossard’s goal at the weekend. Gabriel Martinelli could replace the Belgian international in the lineup. Finally, Saka will return to the starting lineup ahead of Ethan Nwaneri on the right wing.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
