Real Madrid have received a massive boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal, as Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, and Dani Ceballos have all avoided immediate suspensions following a UEFA disciplinary probe.
UEFA announced on Thursday that while the three players were found to have violated Article 11(2)(b) of the Disciplinary Regulations, they will only receive fines and suspended bans.
Rudiger has been fined €40,000 and handed a one-match suspension, although it is suspended for one year and will only be enforced if he commits another similar offence. The German defender was under scrutiny for a wrestling-style gesture.
Meanwhile, Mbappe was investigated for a motion with his genitals and fined €30,000 with an identical suspended ban.
Midfielder Ceballos was not left out. The Spanish international was fined €20,000 but escaped a ban.
The disciplinary action stemmed from post-match scenes following Real Madrid’s dramatic penalty shootout win over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16.
Vinicius Junior was initially mentioned in the probe but will face no disciplinary action. UEFA did not find sufficient grounds to open proceedings against him, despite tensions with the Atletico Madrid fanbase, who have subjected the Brazilian to repeated racist abuse in past encounters.
Arsenal had been closely monitoring the situation, hopeful that UEFA sanctions might dent Madrid’s firepower ahead of their highly anticipated quarter-final clash.
But with all four players now available, the Gunners must prepare to face a near full-strength Los Blancos on April 8 at the Emirates Stadium before the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 16.
Real Madrid might be without their top two goalkeepers, with Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin dealing with injury concerns. Madrid may have to hand 19-year-old goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez a first-team debut.
However, they will be buoyed by the all-clear given to combative midfielder Federico Valverde following his bruised hip.
On the other hand, Arsenal welcomed talisman Bukayo Saka back to action against Fulham. He marked it with a goal and will be the one for Madrid to watch on Tuesday.
Defender Ben White should also be in the mix after recovering from surgery. White and Myles Lewis Kelly will be crucial to contain the rapacious Madrid attackers.
