Five Real Madrid stars walking suspension tightrope ahead of potential Arsenal clash

Several important Real Madrid players are at risk of missing a potential Champions League first-leg quarter-final match against Arsenal.

Mikel Areta's men have almost certainly booked their ticket to the Champions League quarter-finals after their 7-1 victory away against PSV Eindhoven. Unless the Dutch side can pull off a miracle at the Emirates, Arsenal will are guaranteed to face a Madrid side.

This will either be last year's winner Real Madrid, or Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid. Los Blancos hold a 2-1 lead heading into their second-leg fixture away at the Metropolitano stadium.

It is bound to be a feisty game in the Spanish capital which could play into the Gunners hands with five Real Madrid stars one yellow card away from suspension.

One of these players is centre-back Antonio Rudiger. The former Chelsea defender has been a prominent force in Real's backline since he moved to Spain in 2022. He has scored twice this season with both goals coming in the Champions League.

Another former-London rival who could miss the first-leg match against Arsenal is Real Madrid skipper Luka Modric. The Ballon d"Or winner is one of the most-feared midfielders in world football. It would be a big blow for the La Liga giants if their captain were to miss such a crucial game.

Three other stars who could also face suspension if they receive a yellow card against Atletico Madrid are Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick. This could see Real lose a strong midfield and attacking presence.

Carlo Ancelotti is also at risk of being kicked off the touchline for the hypothetical Arsenal match. The iconic manager has such a dominant presence on the side of the pitch and his absence would certainly be felt across the squad.

The Gunners have earned themselves the opportunity to heavily rotate their squad for their home game against PSV. Ancelotti, on the other hand, will have to put out a strong side to get past Simeone's team, meaning a second yellow card for one of his five at-risk players is certainly a possibility.

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