Arsenal are still awaiting news regarding a potential major boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid. The Gunners have already been buoyed by Bukayo Saka's return to training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The England international is in contention to feature against Fulham tomorrow night at the Emirates, with there also being another game this weekend against Everton to improve his match fitness.
Mikel Arteta's side know they have domestic action to contend with before they host Los Blancos at the Emirates Stadium in what's their biggest test of the season. However, Carlo Ancelotti's side are still awaiting news regarding possible bans for four key players after their Champions League Round of 16 win over arch-rivals Atletico Madrid.
Diegoe Simeone's side reported four Real Madrid players to UEFA with allegations of indecent celebrations following their penalty shootout win at the Metropolitano.
Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez and Vinicius Junior have all been accused of indecent conduct and are at risk of a potential ban. Former Chelsea defender Rudiger is alleged to have made a throat cutting gesture to Atleti supporters, while Vinicius Junior is accused of 'taking shots' at the home crowd.
Former Arsenal midfielder Ceballos is alleged to have 'cut his arms' on his shirt in an alleged act of provocation, with Mbappe also accused of touching his privates in a similar action which saw Atleti boss Simeone banned for during a Champions League match with Juventus.
A UEFA statement read: "A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez 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.”
Football.london has taken a look at what the Spanish press have had to say about Real Madrid's Champions League allegations...
Eurosport - Rüdiger, Vinícius, Ceballos, and Mbappé are under investigation by UEFA
Eurosport wrote: "According to the continental body, an ethics and discipline inspector has been appointed "to investigate allegations of indecent conduct " by Rüdiger, Mbappé, Ceballos and Vinícius in the match played at the Metropolitano on March 12.
"The case focuses on the Real Madrid players celebrating in one of the stadium's ends after eliminating Atlético de Madrid following their victory in the penalty shootout, in which they also made gestures that could have been directed at home fans, some of whom also threw objects and bottles at the players
"The investigating judge is now responsible for opening a period of information on what happened, during which Real Madrid must present its arguments to avoid potential sanctions."
Players of Real Madrid celebrate
Four Real Madrid players, including Antonio Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe, are under investigate by UEFA next month's Champions League clash with Arsenal (Image: Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Marca - UEFA opens investigation into Metropolitano celebrations
Marca wrote: "UEFA has announced the opening of an investigation into a possible breach of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by Real Madrid players following their match at the Metropolitano...
"...That celebration was marred by Atlético Madrid fans throwing bottles and other objects onto the pitch , prompting UEFA to propose a sanction against the red-and-white club. Atlético Madrid argued to avoid the sanction, providing evidence, including the behavior of the Madrid players during the celebration.
"Bellingham ended up finishing off one of the bottles with his head, not knowing if it was full, after jumping up and down in joy. Seconds earlier, Vinicius had put the coat he was wearing to keep warm on the ground, looked at the stands, and pointed at the badge: "Here, here." Rodrygo busted out Brazilian dance moves to avoid the thrown bottles, and Jude and Ceballos, one of those who lived the match most from the sidelines, began to dance together.
"A period has now begun during which the investigating judge will gather information about what happened, and Real Madrid will present its arguments to avoid potential sanctions , especially in the form of a suspension for matches in the stands."
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger celebrates victory after the Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger celebrates victory after the Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid (Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Sport - UEFA's potential sanctions
Sport took a look at what sanctions Real Madrid might face as they await news regarding the allegations.
They wrote: "Now that the investigation is underway and UEFA is waiting for more news, the big question fans are asking is what sanctions the four players in the spotlight could face.
"If we look at the UEFA Disciplinary Code , the key lies in Article 15, which reviews the possible sanctions for player misconduct.
Section 1.a explains that players will be suspended for a competition match or a specific period for a number of reasons, including "insulting players or others present at the match", "unsportsmanlike conduct" or "provoking spectators".
"Furthermore, Section 2 also clarifies that the suspension may be combined with football-related fines or community service. It also states that suspensions may be reduced, extended, or even extended to all competitions if circumstances warrant."