Real Madrid face a potentially troubling situation ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal, all due to UEFA regulations.
The Spanish giants have already navigated several injury and suspension concerns in recent weeks, with most of the drama revolving around their squad.
Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos were recently cleared after an investigation into their celebrations following the last-16 second leg win against Atletico Madrid.
However, not everyone escaped punishment.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni will miss the tie after picking up a third yellow card in the previous round, triggering an automatic suspension.
In addition, long-term injuries continue to sideline Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal.
Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who had emerged as a doubt earlier this month, has now been omitted from Madrid’s traveling squad.
Dani Ceballos is also out. Despite having been absent from recent matches, Thibaut Courtois has been named in the squad and is expected to start in goal.
Arsenal are also grappling with their own injury woes. Mikel Arteta will be without Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
There were earlier concerns about Bukayo Saka’s fitness, but after playing 69 minutes recently, he looks likely to start.
“He’s in a much better place,” Arteta said when asked about Saka’s readiness. “Gradually we have built his minutes in the last six or seven days. He’s coped with that really well and he’s in a good place to be able to be used.”
While Tchouameni is the only Real Madrid player officially suspended due to yellow cards, others are walking a disciplinary tightrope.
According to UEFA, bookings in the first leg for Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick, Luka Modric, Rudiger, Lucas Vazquez, or Vinicius Jr would see them miss the return leg, potentially complicating matters for Carlo Ancelotti.
