Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka takes part in a training session at the Arsenal Training centre in Shenley on April 7, 2025, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League Quarter final first leg football match against Real Madrid. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP)
London: Mikel Arteta believes Bukayo Saka can tilt the balance of power in Arsenal's favour in Tuesday's "beautiful" Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.
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 hasn't appeared in Arsenal's starting line-up since December 21 at Crystal Palace.
But Saka showed he has shaken off the rust by scoring in his first game back against Fulham last week and impressing in Saturday's draw at Everton.
Gunners boss Arteta is confident the England forward, 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 said.
"He played 30 minutes against Fulham and he's played 49 against Everton and after that he will be in a much better place."
The Champions League is 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, Arsenal's only Champions League final appearance ended in defeat against Barcelona in 2006.
Having finished as Premier League runners-up in 2023 and 2024, the Gunners are almost certain to fall short in the title race again.
Runaway leaders Liverpool are 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal after Arteta's men were held by Everton at the weekend.
With that in mind, Arteta made five changes against Everton to keep his stars fresh for the European showdown with Carlo Ancelotti's team.
Arteta 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 said.
