Real Madrid XI vs Arsenal ‘leaked’ as bold call made for Champions League clash

Real Madrid’s starting XI for first leg of their quarter-final against Arsenal has been published by Spanish media, with Carlo Ancelotti making one surprise call in defence

David Alaba is set to start at left back for Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday night, with Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI supposedly leaked by Spanish media.

Austria star Alaba has started just four games this season having returned from a cruciate ligament rupture in January. He also missed four games in February owing to a thigh injury with all of his appearances coming at centre half.

But according to COPE, Ancelotti is planning to use Alaba on the left of his back four against the Gunners with Raul Asencio partnering Toni Rudiger at the heart of defence. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is also set to return, with the most notable absentee France midfield player Aurelien Tchouameni.

Speaking on Monday night Courtois said: “We have a lot of respect for Arsenal and I have a lot of Arsenal friends so I know they have been doing great and have been close to winning a Premier League. They are playing well with a young team and experiences players.

READ MORE: Bukayo Saka puts pressure on Arsenal team-mates with Champions League predictionREAD MORE: Ian Wright reveals concerns about Arsenal star for Real Madrid clash – ‘I saw something’

“They defend well, can press high defend in a low block and quick on the counter attack. They can score easily, are dangerous from set pieces but we have prepared well and have analysed their play and where we can hurt them and hopefully they not hurt us.

“Arsenal are doing great and it is a matter of time they win another trophy although hopefully we can pass them in the Champions League.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, has a big decision to make over who partners William Saliba at centre back with key man Gabriel out for the rest of the season because of a hamstring injury. Ben White and Jurrien Timber are expected to be fit, with Riccardo Calafiori also ruled out.

Bukayo Saka is set to make his first start since injuring a hamstring in December. The England star has made substitute appearances against Fulham and Everton in the past week.

And asked about Saka’s condition following two substitute appearances since his comeback, 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.”

Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

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