Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Real Madrid.
Games don’t come as big as Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final test against Real Madrid.
Arteta set the scene of the fixture in his pre-match press conference, calling on supporters to savour the spectacle, with the first leg to be played at the Emirates.
The Arsenal manager also shared an update on the fitness of his squad amid an injury-plagued campaign for the Gunners, touching on the status of Ben White and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal team and injury news ahead of Real Madrid clash
Saka returned to action in Arsenal’s win over Fulham, playing additional minutes during the Gunners’ draw with Everton most recently.
Another inclusion in the starting XI was White, who missed out against Fulham as a precaution following the surgery he underwent earlier in the season.
Ahead of the test against Real Madrid, Arteta shared an update on the pair and the rest of the Arsenal squad.
“We have another training session this afternoon. Ben finished the game, we had to sub him off because he hasn’t played much football, but he was fine after the game and with the rest they went through the game and were able to do some bits yesterday.”
Arteta then confirmed that Saka is in a ‘better place’ when responding to whether the Englishman could start against Real Madrid.
“He’s in a much better place. Gradually we ha,ve built up his minutes in the last six or seven days. He’s coped with that really well and is now in a good place to be used.”
Saka played the second half against Everton to build his game time after his lengthy spell on the sidelines, spending over 100 days out of action.
Ben White set for ultimate test
Having only made his Champions League debut for Arsenal last season, Saka is set to be handed one of the biggest tests of his domestic career when Madrid come to visit.
The same can be said for White, who has already spoken up about the idea of playing against Real Madrid’s front line.
White admitted he’d hate to defend against Vinicus Junior, a nightmare that could come true on Tuesday evening after his start at right back against Everton.
The defender was honest in his thoughts on Vinicius, but is a model professional who will be ready to give his all against the reigning champions of Europe.
It’s set to be a blockbuster at the Emirates, with some good news on the injury front coming ahead of the showdown.
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