Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Champions League specialist returns, but Spanish side missing six players

Ancelotti’s Real Madrid Squad for Arsenal Clash Sees Key Returnee and Key Absences

Carlo Ancelotti has announced his Real Madrid squad for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal, with a mix of key absences and a major boost from a world-class returnee.

Unfortunately for Madrid, they will be without six players for the clash at the Emirates Stadium. Andriy Lunin is sidelined due to a calf injury, while Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are long-term absentees, both nursing serious knee injuries. Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, and Aurelien Tchouameni are also unavailable. Tchouameni is excluded due to a European suspension, while Mendy and Ceballos remain injured despite earlier hopes for their recovery.

However, the team has received a significant boost with the return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The 32-year-old shot-stopper, who missed three matches due to an injury sustained during international duty with Belgium, is fit to play once again. His return is crucial as Madrid aims to maintain their title ambitions in Europe.

If Courtois suffers any setbacks before the match, 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez, who made his La Liga debut against Valencia, is an option to step in.

In addition to Courtois’ return, Madrid also received good news regarding three key players—Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Antonio Rudiger—who were at risk of being banned due to disciplinary concerns following Madrid’s celebrations after their penalty shootout win against Atletico Madrid. Rudiger and Mbappe have both been given suspended one-match bans and fines (€40,000 and €30,000 respectively), but they will be available to face Arsenal. Vinicius Jr, however, avoided any punishment.

The winner of this quarter-final tie will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semi-finals.