Arsenal and Real Madrid Face Off in Quarterfinals with Key Players Missing

LONDON, England — Arsenal will host Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, but both teams will be without several key players due to injuries and suspensions.

The highly anticipated match marks only the second time these two clubs have met in competitive play at the Emirates, a venue that will feature a vibrant atmosphere as Arsenal seeks to continue their strong performance this season. With the defending Champions League winners visiting, the stakes are high for both sides.

Arsenal, who currently sit second in the Premier League, are coping with significant injury setbacks. Gabriel Magalhaes has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury that requires surgery. In addition, forward Gabriel Jesus and midfielder Kai Havertz will also miss the match due to injuries sustained earlier in the season. Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu is another casualty for the Gunners, as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

“It’s always tough to face teams of this caliber without key players,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “But we have the depth and determination to compete at the highest level.”

Furthermore, Riccardo Calafiori, who recently suffered a knee injury while on international duty, is also unavailable, although he is expected back by the end of April. The only player returning to action for Arsenal is Bukayo Saka, who will start after recovering from a lengthy absence.

On the opposing side, Real Madrid’s injury list includes prominent players as well. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is out with a muscle strain, while defenders Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão have been sidelined for the season due to knee injuries. Moreover, Aurélien Tchouaméni is facing suspension after accumulating yellow cards in previous matches, adding more challenges for manager Carlo Ancelotti.

“Injuries are an unfortunate part of football, but we must adapt,” Ancelotti commented during a pre-match press conference. “The team is ready to fight, and we have the talent to overcome this challenge.”

Arsenal’s lineup is expected to include David Raya as the goalkeeper, with a defensive line of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, and Lewis-Skelly. In midfield, Arteta is likely to trust Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Ødegaard to control the game against Los Blancos. Up front, Saka will be joined by Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli.

Real Madrid will counter with a lineup that features Thibaut Courtois in goal, and a back four consisting of Fede Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba. In midfield, experiences from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham will be crucial, supported by the attacking prowess of Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. The duo has combined for numerous goals this season, making them vital to Madrid’s hopes of scoring.

Historically, Arsenal has had success in their last several quarterfinal ties in the Champions League, remaining unbeaten in their last 16 home matches in European competition. However, the urgency remains as they push for their first Champions League title, having reached the final only once, in 2006.

“This is a moment for us to step up and show what we can do,” Arteta stated confidently, reflecting on the importance of the match for both the players and fans alike.

The match is set to kick off at 8 p.m. local time, and fans on both sides eagerly anticipate a thrilling encounter between two prestigious football clubs.