Arsenal will be hoping to get a boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Real Madrid amid news that four of their opponent's players are under investigation and could face potential bans. UEFA released a statement regarding the behaviour of some of the Los Blancos squad in the fallout of their win over Atletico Madrid in the last-16 clash.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos Fernández and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025.
“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”
While Ceballos has been on the fringes, the other three are consistent starting figures in Carlo Ancelotti’s side and would be massive misses for the team against an already injury-hit Arsenal side. The Gunners will be without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, leaving them without a recognised centre-forward while Riccardo Calafiori suffered a knee injury while on international duty that could also see him miss the match.
Bukayo Saka however could yet return after images were posted by the player and the Arsenal social channels showing the winger back on the grass and in training. It will be determined whether he can play a part against either Fulham or Everton in the coming days.
Real Madrid are also without Aurelien Tchouameni who is suspended for the match having picked up three yellow cards across the competition. There are also concerns about Fran Garcia who has been filling in for the injured Ferland Mendy, although there are suggestions in Spain the Frenchman may be back to face the Gunners.
A potential loss of Mbappe, Rudiger and Vini Jr will test the depth of the Los Blancos squad which is lacking other notable figures: Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal. It means that David Alaba could come in at left-back for the German international, playing alongside the impressive young Spaniard Raul Asencio.
Federico Valverde has been playing plenty at right-back but with Tchouameni out could return to midfield with Lucas Vazquez returning to right-back. Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham will of course continue unless Ancelotti sees the need for the experience of 39-year-old Luka Modric.
The forward line however is where it is truly intriguing without both of their main stars. Rodrygo is the regular starter who would naturally be in the front three. Unless Ancelotti decides to use Bellingham as a forward figure and bring in another midfielder in his place, the other two attackers would most likely be the Brazilian teenage sensation Endrick and Brahim Diaz.
Real Madrid changed XI – Courtois, Vazquez, Asencio, Alaba, Mendy, Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Diaz, Endrick