Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Injury Concerns and Suspensions Ahead of UCL Quarter-Final Clash
Real Madrid travels to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night, but manager Carlo Ancelotti faces several selection headaches due to injuries and suspensions.
Real Madrid – Key Absences:
- Aurelien Tchouaméni: Suspended due to yellow card accumulation; his absence in midfield will be a big loss.
- Dani Ceballos: Out with an ongoing injury, depriving Madrid of creative depth.
- Ferland Mendy: Sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up against Atletico Madrid.
- Éder Militão: Still recovering from a serious knee injury, further weakening the back line.
- Dani Carvajal: Out with a knee issue, creating a void at right-back.
- Andriy Lunin: Backup goalkeeper ruled out with a calf injury.
Positive News:
- Thibaut Courtois: Returns from a muscle injury, providing a crucial boost in goal.
Disciplinary Warning:
Six Madrid players risk suspension for the second leg if booked:
- Vinicius Jr
- Antonio Rüdiger
- Luka Modrić
- Eduardo Camavinga
- Lucas Vázquez
- Endrick
They’ll need to tread carefully to avoid missing the Bernabéu return fixture.
Arsenal – Missing Players:
- Raheem Sterling: Suspended for yellow card accumulation.
- Gabriel Magalhães: Nursing a muscle injury.
- Jurrien Timber: Still out following a recent setback.
- Ben White: Unfit and unavailable.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu: Also ruled out due to injury.
- Riccardo Calafiori: Won’t feature due to fitness concerns.
Both teams must adjust their tactics to compensate for these critical absences, setting the stage for a tightly contested and unpredictable first-leg battle.
