Real Madrid handed major defensive dilemma ahead of Arsenal Champions League tie

Real Madrid could reportedly spring a surprise on Arsenal in this week's Champions League quarter-final first leg by fielding David Alaba at left-back.

The Gunners welcome the Spaniards to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night in the hope of edging a step closer to a first Champions League semi-final appearance in over 15 years.

Bukayo Saka is expected to be fit enough to make his first start for the Gunners since suffering a serious hamstring injury against Crystal Palace in December.

READ MORE:Arsenal press conference - Mikel Arteta on Real Madrid, latest team news and Bukayo Saka

READ MORE:Alan Shearer delivers new Everton vs Arsenal penalty verdict as Myles Lewis-Skelly claim made

Real Madrid, however, are set to be without a string of key players for the tie in north London and therefore could call on the services of Alaba at left-back.

Spanish publication Relevo reports that Carlo Ancelotti is considering deploying the Austria international at left-back, with the former Bayern Munich defender one of several changes across the backline.

As Madrid will be without the suspended Aurelien Tchouameni for the tie at the Emirates, Relevo claims that Eduardo Camavinga will deputise for Los Blancos at centre-back.

As a result, with Benjamin Mendy still sidelined with injury, Alaba appears to be the likely alternative for Ancelotti's side.

After joining Bayern Munich from Austria Vienna, the 32-year-old spent a large proportion of his early days in Bavaria as a left-back before Pep Guardiola shifted him into the centre of defence.

Fran Garcia is another option who could start at left-back for Madrid, but it is claimed the 25-year-old didn't impress Ancelotti with his performance in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Valencia.

Real Madrid's travelling squad for Tuesday's game is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Fran González and Sergio Mestre.

Defenders : Alaba, Lucas V., Vallejo, Fran García, Rüdiger, Asencio, Jacobo and Lorenzo.

Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Modrić, Arda Güler and Chema.

Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim and Gonzalo.