Although Arsenal will still travel to Everton in the Premier League before facing Real Madrid next week, focus is swiftly moving to the Champions League tie.
Arsenal suffered a big blow when Gabriel Magalhaes pulled up with a hamstring injury against Fulham – he now seems unlikely to play in either leg against Real.
Of course, with Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White missing through injury as well right now, there’s a realistic proposition of Jakub Kiwior starting alongside William Saliba.
Kiwior wants to leave Arsenal, perhaps explaining why his participation isn’t the most ideal solution in the biggest game of the Gunners’ season.
Although, Real might also be missing a key defender against Arsenal following Antonio Rudiger’s actions against Atletico de Madrid.
Antonio Rudiger is a serious ‘doubt’ for Arsenal Champions League clash
Rudiger praised two Arsenal players in the past, but Spain’s media are now worried that he might not be available to face them for the first-leg in north London at least.
Spanish outlet Marca believe that Rudiger’s participation really is in ‘doubt’ ahead of next Tuesday.
The possibility of Rudiger being suspended is because of his actions in the aftermath of Real’s last-16 victory over Atletico, when emotions spilled over.
All of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos and Rudiger were criticised for their celebrations, actions that are being scrutinised by UEFA.
The Champions League’s current holders will learn what the UEFA disciplinary committee has decided on Friday,
Marca expect that Vinicius, Mbappe and Ceballos will receive a fine or a suspended one-match ban, one that wouldn’t be served unless the behaviour is repeated.
However, Rudiger’s case is said to be ‘different’ – his gesture to the crowd was ‘not well received’ and could be considered ‘threatening’.
Therefore, his participation against Arsenal is genuinely in doubt, for the first leg at least.
Mikel Merino’s advantage over Antonio Rudiger
Of course, Mikel Arteta will be paying very little attention to that saga for now – he’ll be aware of the need to focus on his own players.
Arsenal want to sign a striker this summer but in terms of who will be available against Real, Mikel Merino will once again be Arteta’s number nine.
Interestingly, Merino scored against Rudiger whilst playing for Spain against Germany at the World Cup, a match-up he might be relishing again should the Real defender be available.
In any case, David Alaba would likely be the player to partner Raul Asencio if Rudiger was missing – it’s hardly a huge weakening.
A massive tie for the Gunners, and Gary Lineker has said whether he thinks Arsenal can beat Real with all things considered.
