Real Madrid Face Champions League Blow As Star Player Risks Ban Against Arsenal

‎According to a report from Spain, Real Madrid is worried that Antonio Rudiger might face a suspension for the first leg of next week’s Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.

‎The German defender is one of four Real players under UEFA investigation for their alleged “indecent conduct” in the aftermath of the club’s last-16 penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid last month.

‎The reigning European champions celebrated enthusiastically after coming through a controversial series of spot-kicks.

‎Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and Dani Ceballos are expected to receive only a fine and a suspended one-match ban, according to MARCA.

‎However, Real Madrid is concerned that Antonio Rudiger’s punishment could be more severe.

‎The center-back converted the decisive penalty after Carlo Ancelotti decided that Endrick was not mentally prepared, celebrating with a high-knee sprint down the pitch.

‎Rudiger was pictured appearing to make a slitting throat gesture towards the crowd which MARCA described as “not well received” and “considered threatening”.

‎Madrid are up against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals next week. The Spanish outfit travel to the Emirates on Tuesday, 8 April before hosting the return fixture eight days later.

‎The Gunners are facing their own selection challenges, as starting center-back Gabriel left Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday night after just 16 minutes due to a hamstring injury.

‎Mikel Arteta could not provide any timeline on the defender’s recovery but revealed that he was “worried” to see his battling lieutenant ask to be subbed off.

‎There are doubts over the availability of Arsenal’s fellow defenders Ben White and Jurrien Timber, while Riccardo Calafiori is all but guaranteed to be sidelined.

‎A ban for Rudiger would potentially be even more detrimental to Real Madrid than Gabriel’s absence may be for Arsenal.

‎The front-foot center-back has barely missed any minutes for Madrid this season, despite several defenders spending time in the club’s treatment room.

‎David Alaba has only recently returned from a long-term ACL injury, adding to the defensive woes.

‎However, he did not inspire much confidence, as he deflected two goals into his own net during the thrilling Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

‎This incident has raised further concerns about the team’s defensive stability moving forward.

‎UEFA will reveal their final judgment on the punishment handed out to Rudiger as well as Vinicius, Mbappe, and Ceballos on Friday.