Mikel Arteta backs Bukayo Saka to tilt balance in ‘beautiful’ Real Madrid tie

LONDON – Mikel Arteta believes Bukayo Saka can tilt the balance of power in Arsenal’s favour in their “beautiful” Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid on April 8.

Saka is in contention to feature against Real in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, after making two substitute appearances since returning from three months on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old has not appeared in Arsenal’s starting line-up since Dec 21 at Crystal Palace.

But the forward showed he has shaken off the rust by scoring in his first game back against Fulham on April 1 and impressing in the draw at Everton on April 5.

Gunners boss Arteta is confident the England international, who needed surgery on a hamstring injury, can play a decisive role as Arsenal look to eliminate holders Real.

“He’s in a much better place. Obviously, we have built that up. He played 30 minutes against Fulham and he’s played 49 against Everton and after that he will be in a much better place,” he said.

The Champions League is probably Arteta’s last chance to end his five-year trophy drought this season, as Arsenal bid to win the tournament for the first time.

Beaten by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals last season, the Gunners’ only Champions League final appearance ended in defeat against Barcelona in 2006.

Having finished as Premier League runners-up in 2023 and 2024, they are almost certain to fall short in the title race again this campaign. Runaway leaders Liverpool are 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with seven games left.

With that in mind, Arteta made five changes against Everton to keep his stars fresh for the European showdown with Carlo Ancelotti’s team. The Spaniard is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against Ancelotti’s 15-time European champions.

“One of the most beautiful games that you can play in football, in the highest European competition, against the team that has dominated that competition in the last 20, 25 years. So, yeah, really looking forward to it,” he added.

Arteta faces a selection dilemma as he ponders who should partner William Saliba in central defence after Gabriel Magalhaes’ season was ended by a hamstring injury.

Jakub Kiwior was handed the role against Everton, but Real forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are likely to pose significantly more problems than Everton duo Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Arteta has the option of switching Ben White, who made his first Premier League start since November at Goodison Park, into central defence and bringing Jurrien Timber in at right-back.

“We have alternatives there. We had players that hadn’t played together at Everton, so that cohesion hasn’t been there,” he said.

“Ben especially hasn’t played at all almost this season, so it’s good that they have the minutes and that understanding. We will assess what are the best options for that backline.”

Arteta should be able to call on Spain midfielder Mikel Merino, who has been deployed as an emergency striker since Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were sidelined by injuries.

Merino suffered a nasty wound in a clash of heads at Everton, but the Arsenal boss said: “He’s fine. He had a cut, so he was bleeding quite a lot in the first half.”

After his first league goal since January, Arsenal’s Belgian forward Leandro Trossard hopes he has done enough to convince Arteta that he should start against Real.

“I’m very excited, it’s a big game for us. Everyone is up for it, not just the players but the fans as well,” he said.

“We know how they are. They have the most Champions League wins in history, so we know what we’re up against.

“I hope the atmosphere will be electric because we’re going to need it. The first game is at home, so hopefully we can have an advantage there.” AFP