Four Real Madrid players discover fate for Arsenal clash as UEFA announce punishments

Real Madrid have received a huge boost ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final first-leg with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

UEFA opened an investigation against four Madrid stars for allegedly violating the basic rules of decent conduct during their last-16 win against Atletico Madrid last month.

Antonio Rudiger was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture towards the opposition supporters, while Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos and Vinicius Jr also allegedly showed offensive behaviour.

However, all four players have avoided immediate suspensions despite three being punished by UEFA.

The European football’s governing body has handed one-match bans and fines to Rudiger and Mbappe, whose suspensions are subject to a probationary period of one year.

Ceballos has got off with just a fine, and although Vinicius was also probed, no disciplinary proceedings were opened against him.

UEFA’s decision means that all four players will be available to feature in Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side could be without their number one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has missed Real’s last two fixtures against Leganes and Real Sociedad through injury.

Los Blancos are also sweating over the fitness of their second-choice keeper Andriy Lunin, who is a doubt for their upcoming league game with Valencia.

If Lunin doesn’t recover in time, Ancelotti will be forced to start 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez between the sticks on Saturday.

However, the Italian boss is confident that Courtois will be available for selection against the Gunners next week.