Declan Rice and the Arsenal players at risk of Champions League suspension against Real Madrid | OneFootball

Suspensions could hamper Arsenal’s dreams of European glory

Discipline has already been something of an issue for Mikel Arteta’s side this campaign, as loanee winger Raheem Sterling is suspended for tomorrow night’s tie. Despite only starting two matches, the Briton has managed more bookings than goal contributions in the competition, his brace of assists paling in comparison to a hat-trick of yellow cards.

Breakout star Miles Lewis-Skelly has also made headlines with some rash moments, being sent off three times in the Premier League in his debut season, though one of those red cards was later rescinded by the Football Association following a ‘unanimous’ decision from the arbitration panel.

Timber was booked after scoring in the first leg rout of PSV

Getty Images

Among those in danger of a suspension is Declan Rice, who was booked in a league phase tie away to Girona and the emphatic round of 16 drubbing of PSV.- Only David Raya, William Saliba, and Gabriel Maghalaes have played more minutes than Rice this season, and his physicality and leadership would be sorely missed should he be suspended for the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Similarly integral defender Jurrien Timber, who has played just 67 fewer minutes than Rice this campaign, is also facing a suspension after picking up bookings against PSV and Dinamo Zagreb after being booked for timewasting in the round of 16. He has been shown a yellow card more times this season than any other Arsenal player having been booked nine times in 42 appearances.

The first leg will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday before the Gunners travel to Spain next week.