Real Madrid will be without six players as they prepare to face Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night. The Spanish side, aiming to push deeper into the tournament, will travel to London with a significantly weakened squad.
The team will miss key names across the field. Midfielders Aurelien Tchouaméni and Dani Ceballos are both out, as well as defenders Éder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin also remains unavailable for selection.
Tchouaméni is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the previous round against Manchester City, which triggered an automatic one-game ban. Meanwhile, Ceballos and Mendy are still sidelined with injuries. Both players were also absent during Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 defeat to Valencia in La Liga.
Lunin, who was vital during the penalty shootout win over Atletico Madrid in the last round, has not yet rejoined full training. In his absence, veteran keeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to start between the posts at the Emirates Stadium.
Carvajal and Militao are still recovering as well, leaving head coach Carlo Ancelotti with limited defensive options. Their absence could prove costly against an Arsenal team that has shown strong form in both domestic and European competitions.
Despite the injury troubles, there was some positive news for the club. UEFA has completed an investigation into Real Madrid’s celebrations following their victory over Atletico. No punishments will be handed out to Antonio Rudiger, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, or Dani Ceballos. A UEFA statement read: “The investigation has concluded with no further action required.”
This development ensures that several of Madrid’s key players will be available to play, offering a much-needed boost for the team. Still, the absence of six squad members will make their trip to North London more challenging.
