Real Madrid starting XI 'leaked' ahead of Champions League clash with Arsenal

David Alaba is expected 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.

The Spanish media has reportedly leaked Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI.

The Austria international, who has made just four appearances this season after recovering from a cruciate ligament rupture in January, is set for his first start since returning to full fitness.

Alaba also missed four games in February due to a thigh injury, with all of his previous appearances coming at centre-back.

According to COPE, Ancelotti plans to deploy Alaba on the left side of his defence against Arsenal, with Raul Asencio partnering Toni Rudiger at the heart of the backline.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is also expected to return to the starting XI. The most notable absentee is French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who will miss the clash.

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.

“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 manager Mikel Arteta faces a major decision regarding who will partner William Saliba at centre-back, with key defender Gabriel ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury.

Both Ben White and Jurrien Timber are expected to be fit for selection, while Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out. In addition, Bukayo Saka is set to make his first start since suffering a hamstring injury in December.

The England international has made brief appearances as a substitute against Fulham and Everton in recent weeks.

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