Real Madrid continue to face a nervous wait regarding the availability of four key players for their Champions League quarter-final tie with Arsenal.
While the Gunners strolled past PSV courtesy of a 9-2 aggregate victory, penalties were needed to decide a winner in the Spanish capital with Carlo Ancelotti's side coming out on top in controversial fashion.
Despite Julian Alvarez scoring his penalty, officials deemed it was a double-touch and therefore considered the spot-kick a miss. Antonio Rudiger later struck the decisive blow from 12 yards before he and the other Madrid players ran off celebrating, but some of them, including Rudiger, perhaps celebrated a little too much.
In the wake of their victory it was revealed by UEFA that an investigation, led by an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, into the actions of Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Dani Ceballos had begun. It has been alleged that all four acted in an improper manner and that could result in suspension.
The two players perhaps most at risk are Rudiger and Mbappe because of their specific actions. The former Chelsea man made a throat-slitting gesture while Mbappe grabbed his genitals in the direction of Atletico supporters.
Diego Simeone was fined for a similar incident in a Champions League game five years ago and thus it is unlikely Mbappe gets away with no punishment.
Vinicius, meanwhile, is accused of taunting the home faithful on a number of occasions following the triumph as he took of his coat, laid it on the grass and pointed at the Madrid badge while Ceballos mockingly danced alongside Jude Bellingham.
With the first leg in just five days, both teams will be eagerly awaiting an outcome and that looks set to arrive very soon.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, a final decision will be revealed on Friday with it noted that Mbappe, Ceballos and Vini Jr will likely be fined and receive a one-match ban but that will be suspended unless similar behaviour is repeated.
As for Rudiger, Madrid fear he could miss the first leg in north London as his gesture did not go down well and was considered threatening and though he could be handed the same punishment as his teammates, it is not as clear.
While that is in doubt, Riccardo Calafiori is one Arsenal player guaranteed to miss out and he could potentially be joined by three others
While Ben White was omitted from the squad to face Fulham because of a minor issue, both Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes suffered injuries in that win.
The latter has since undergone scans to determine the full extent of the problem but even a minor strain could see him miss the next few weeks and thus both legs against Madrid.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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