Arsenal will come face-to-face with Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League next week after the France forward avoided an immediate ban following a UEFA investigation. Mbappe will be available for Real Madrid for both legs of their quarter-final showdown with the Gunners, with Antonio Rudiger and Dani Ceballos also allowed to feature.
UEFA launched an investigation into the conduct of Mbappe, Rudiger and Ceballos following Real’s Champions League round of 16 victory over Atletico Madrid last month. The 15-time European champions defeated their rivals on penalties and the three players were looked into following allegations of indecent conduct during the celebrations that followed.
Following an investigation overseen by a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector, Mbappe was handed a £25,500 fine and suspended for one UEFA club competition match. But the suspension will not be immediately enforced as it is subject to a one-year probationary period.
Rudiger, meanwhile, was given a £34,000 fine and suspended for one UEFA club competition match. The defender’s suspension will also be subject to a one-year probationary period. Ceballos avoided a suspension but will have to pay a £17,000 fine.
Los Blancos came through their clash with Atletico after Rudiger dispatched the winning penalty in the shootout. The first leg ended 2-1 to Real, with Atletico forcing the tie to spot kicks after securing a 1-0 victory in the second leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. That tie came after Real had overcome Manchester City in the play-off round.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are now among the favourites to lift the Champions League trophy this season, despite suffering three defeats in the group phase. And they could be heavily reliant on Mbappe to deliver the goods, with the 2018 World Cup winner already bagging seven goals in the competition this season.
Arsenal are due to take on Madrid after thrashing PSV 9-3 over two legs in the last 16. Mikel Arteta’s men have enjoyed a sensational season in the Champions League, having won six of their group phase matches to finish third in the table.
They avoided a play-off tie before putting PSV to the sword and will be high on confidence after already overcoming the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Sporting this season.
However, Arteta has been hit with another injury issue ahead of the quarter-finals after losing centre-back Gabriel for the rest of the campaign.
The Gunners boss is already without the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, who have also both been ruled out of action until the summer.
Arteta did, however, welcome Bukayo Saka back in midweek, with the winger coming off the bench to bag his side’s second goal during their 2-1 victory over Fulham in the Premier League.
The Spaniard could also have Ben White and Jurrien Timber available for the Champions League tie, with both players closing in on a return to action.
The first leg will be played at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening, with the return leg due to be played in Madrid on Wednesday, April 16.
