Real Madrid injury latest with three out and four doubtful for Arsenal Champions League clash

Arsenal divert attention from the Premier League to the Champions League in midweek for the first instalment of their two-legged Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.

With the English title race headed the way it is, Mikel Arteta knows success in Europe's elite competition is the greatest chance of landing silverware this season.

Arsenal have never won the Champions League in their history though are one of the strongest contenders remaining this season with Bukayo Saka and others returning.

Their challenge, with only eight teams left in the competition, is to beat 15-time champions and 2024 winners Real Madrid.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea have all contested against Los Blancos in recent seasons and will say that it is a thankless task. Somehow, Carlo Ancelotti's side just find a way of winning.

However, it cannot be ignored that they are a wounded animal at present with so many key injuries impacting two areas of their squad in particular.

Ancelotti will only be grateful that the situation is not more dire than it needs to be as several of his players including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Antonio Rudiger escaped with fines instead of bans from UEFA for their celebrations after eliminating Atletico Madrid in the previous round.

football.london takes a look at the mounting problem at Madrid with seven possible absentees on Tuesday night.

Dani Carvajal

Vice-captain Dani Carvajal has been unable to play since last October after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a ruptured external collateral ligament, and a ruptured popliteal tendon.

He is not expected to return until August at the very earliest, so is definitely ruled out Tuesday's trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Eder Militao

Another certain absentee is Brazilian central defender Eder Militao, who was afflicted with a similar complete ACL tear last November.

Again, he is a player not expected to return before the end of the season.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Now a third player ruled out for Madrid is Aurelien Tchouameni. The 25-year-old has actually been in fine form for Madrid recently and his reasoning is not injury related in the slightest.

Instead, Arsenal have been provided a boost from his suspension from Tuesday's first leg meeting. Last time out in the Champions League against Atletico he picked up his third booking of this season's competition, thus earning a one-game ban.

Thibaut Courtois

Last year the 6'7" Belgian goalkeeper saw his career impacted with a meniscus tear in his right knee and since recovering to the point where he has been able to play again this season, he has continued to suffer the consequences of such a bad problem.

His latest persistent knee issues have kept him out for the last three matches and although Real may be hopeful of his return, Thibaut Courtois still remains a doubt.

Andriy Lunin

Also recently suffering is back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who had filled in for Courtois before being impacted by his own muscle issue.

This was enough to limit him to a spot on the bench for Saturday's match against Valencia, to which Ancelotti explained: "We didn't want to take any risks with Andriy Lunin and he'll have two or three more days to recover. Then we'll see on Tuesday."

Playing instead, amidst this crisis, was 19-year-old Real Madrid Castilla goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez, who let in two strikes - one in injury time - for an unexpected 2-1 defeat.

Ferland Mendy

Defence is the other heavily-hit area of Madrid's squad, in case you've not already noticed.

Left back Ferland Mendy has now missed four matches with a hamstring injury and remains another doubt for the visit to Arsenal. If Saka is deemed able to start, he would likely go up against alternate option Fran Garcia.

Dani Ceballos

Lastly, unfortunately a reunion with Dani Ceballos also remains in doubt. A muscle injury has kept the midfielder out for eight matches now.

He made 77 appearances under Mikel Arteta between 2019 and 2021 as a loanee from the Spanish capital