Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka starts on the bench against Atletico Madrid in Champions League semi-final, with Noni Madueke on the right flank.
ARSENAL winger Bukayo Saka has to make do with a place on the bench for his team’s Champions League semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with Noni Madueke selected on the right flank.
England international Saka returned from an Achilles tendon injury as a substitute as the Gunners beat Newcastle to go back top of the Premier League on Saturday.
Viktor Gyokeres starts up front for Mikel Arteta’s side at the Metropolitano stadium, with Kai Havertz out injured.
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Eberechi Eze is on the bench after a knock and Arteta has opted for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing, over Leandro Trossard.
Like Arsenal, Atletico Madrid have never won the Champions League and Diego Simeone’s side are back in the semi-finals after a nine-year absence.
The Argentine coach opted for Ademola Lookman on the left wing after the Nigeria international recovered from a minor niggle.
Marcos Llorente starts at right-back with veteran Koke paired with Johnny Cardoso in the centre of midfield.
Veteran Antoine Griezmann leads the line for the Rojiblancos alongside Julian Alvarez, recently linked with Arsenal.
The second leg will be played in London on Tuesday, May 5.
Starting line-ups:
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)
Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Koke (capt), Johnny Cardoso, Ademola Lookman; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez
Coach: Diego Simeone (ARG)
Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie; Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard (capt); Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli
Coach: Mikel Arteta (ESP)
Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
