Real Madrid worst-case suspension scenario emerges for Arsenal Champions League tie

Real Madrid could see a nightmare scenario emerge for their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal because of UEFA rules.

Plenty of injury and suspension twists have taken place over the last few weeks with the majority of those involving Madrid. Despite a lengthy investigation, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Ceballos were all cleared of wrongdoing after their celebrations following the last-16 second leg win away at Atletico Madrid.

Aurelien Tchouameni however, is banned having picked up his third Champions League booking in the previous round. Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal will also be unavailable as they recover from long-term injury issues.

Andriy Lunin became a fresh doubt earlier this month and has subsequently been left out of Madrid's confirmed travelling squad with Ceballos also absent. Despite missing the last few games, Thibaut Courtois has been included and it is expected that he will start in between the sticks.

As for confirmed absentees in Mikel Arteta's squad, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu will all be missing through injury.

In the lead up to the game, there was some doubt surrounding Bukayo Saka but he has played 69 minutes since being declared available which places him in a good position be named from the off against Madrid on Tuesday evening.

"He's in a much better place," Arteta replied when asked if Saka can start. "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."

Though it is only Tchouameni missing as a result of yellow cards, that number could increase significantly following the first leg. That is because if any of Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick, Luka Modric, Rudiger, Lucas Vasquez and Vini Jr are booked they will be suspended for the second leg, according to UEFA's official website.

Militao is also at risk but injury will be what keeps him out. From an Arsenal perspective, Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice are all one yellow away from having to serve a one-match ban.

UEFA rules state that a player will have to serve a suspension when picking up their third, fifth, seventh or ninth yellow cards in Champions League action.

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