Arsenal vs. Real Madrid lineups: Saka starts, Alaba at left-back

by Agence France-Presse
David Price / Arsenal FC / Getty

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka made his first start since December in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid, who welcomed back goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from injury.

Saka was named in the Gunners starting line-up for the first leg at the Emirates Stadium after making two substitute appearances since returning from three months on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old, who needed surgery on a hamstring injury, hadn't started for Arsenal since a Premier League game at Crystal Palace on December 21.

But Saka showed he has shaken off the rust in two substitute appearances over the last week, scoring in his first game back against Fulham and impressing in Saturday's draw at Everton.

With Brazilian Gabriel Magalhaes ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury, Jakub Kiwior partnered William Saliba in Arsenal's central defence.

Courtois handed Real a major injury boost by declaring he was "fully fit" on the eve of the tie in north London.

Former Chelsea star Courtois had missed Real's previous three matches with a knee injury. 

Carlo Ancelotti was forced to play 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez in Real's surprise 2-1 La Liga defeat to Valencia last weekend after Courtois' deputy, Andriy Lunin, also picked up an injury.

"I am fully fit and I feel good. It was not a big issue so I could train in the gym, and I have been on the pitch," Courtois had said on Monday.

Starting line-ups for the Champions League quarter-final first leg between Arsenal and Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday:

Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli; Mikel Merino

Coach: Mikel Arteta (ESP)

Real Madrid (4-3-3)

Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba; Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (ITA)

Referee: Irfan Peljto (BIH)

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