Arsenal will come face-to-face with Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League next week after the France forward avoided an immediate ban following a UEFA investigation. Mbappe will be available for Real Madrid for both legs of their quarter-final showdown with the Gunners, with Antonio Rudiger and Dani Ceballos also allowed to feature.
UEFA launched an investigation into the conduct of Mbappe, Rudiger and Ceballos following Real’s Champions League round of 16 victory over Atletico Madrid last month after the 15-time European champions had defeated their rivals on penalties. The three players were looked into following allegations of indecent conduct during the celebrations that followed the match.
Following an investigation overseen by a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector, Mbappe was handed a £25,500 and suspended for one UEFA club competition match. But the suspension will not be immediately enforced as it is subject to a one-year probationary period.
Rudiger, meanwhile, was given a £34,000 fine and suspended for one UEFA club competition match. The defender’s suspension will also be subject to a one-year probationary period. Ceballos avoided a suspension but will have to pay a £17,000 fine.
Real came through their clash with Atletico after Rudiger dispatched the winning penalty in the shootout. The first leg ended 2-1 to Real, with Atletico forcing the tie to spot kicks after securing a 1-0 victory in the second leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. That tie came after Real had overseen Manchester City in the play-off round.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are now among the favourites to lift the Champions League trophy this season, despite suffering three defeats in the group stages. And they could be heavily reliant on Mbappe to deliver the goods, with the 2018 World Cup winner already bagging seven goals in the competition this season.
Arsenal are due to take on Madrid after thrashing PSV 9-3 over two legs in the last 16 of the competition. Mikel Arteta’s match have been in scintillating form in Europe this season, having won seven of their 10 matches.
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