Why Is Bukayo Saka Not Playing Tonight for Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid?

Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Why Is Bukayo Saka Not Playing Tonight for Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 2:29 PM ET

Arsenal will be playing away at the Metropolitano against Atletico Madrid for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

The second leg will be played next week in London, England, at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal will look to have a goal advantage tonight.

Arsenal will be playing with a strong lineup but will be missing some players due to injury, like Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, but the lineup will be without Bukayo Saka, who is no longer injured.

Saka returned to the Arsenal squad over the weekend in the Premier League match against Newcastle United, where they won 1-0. Saka did not start the match against Newcastle and came on the pitch in the 81st minute.

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on April 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Saka played nearly 20 minutes against Newcastle United over the weekend. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saka is fine ahead of the first leg of the semifinal against Atletico Madrid tonight.

Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka

Mikel Arteta will start Noni Madueke in the right wing position instead of Saka, who is in the squad and on the bench for the match tonight against Atletico Madrid.

Arteta will already be without Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze in the attack, with Eze also on the bench, but Havertz is unavailable due to an injury.

When asked about the absence of Saka and Eze in the lineup, Arteta said, "They've done really well already to be available, and let's see for how long we can use them."

Saliba and Gabriel holding it down
©️ Odegaard leading the fight
⚡️ Martinelli returns to the XI

Let's make our mark, Gunners ✨
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 29, 2026