Arsenal have been dealt some bad news ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants have been sweating on the availability of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Dani Ceballos and Antonio Rudiger – but it has now been confirmed all four key Los Blancos stars will be available against the Gunners.
UEFA launched an investigation into the Real foursome’s alleged ‘indecent conduct’ during their last-16 win over arch rivals Atletico Madrid.
However UEFA have decided not to issue any of the quartet with an immediate ban.
Mbappe and Rudiger have been issued with a one-game UEFA ban, however this is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one year.
Rudiger has also been fined €40,000, while Mbappe and Ceballos have been fined €30,000 and €20,000, respectively.
No disciplinary proceedings were opened against Vini Jr.
UEFA appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to inspect how the four players celebrated their penalty shootout win over Atletico.
Among the incidents being looked at is a clip of Rudiger appearing to make a throat-cutting gesture towards the Atleti fans.
Video clips on social media also appeared to show Mbappe grabbing his crotch during Real Madrid‘s celebrations.
It came after Atletico reported the players’ conduct to UEFA.
But while three of the four players have been sanctioned, their punishments will not impact their availability to take on Arsenal.
The first leg takes place on April 8 at the Emirates Stadium, with the second leg taking place at the Bernabeu on April 16.
Real Madrid have also been boosted by the news that Thibaut Courtois is expected to be fit to face the Gunners.
The Belgian goalkeeper has missed three of Los Blancos’ last five fixtures, including the two matches played since the international break.
But with backup Andriy Lunin also struggling, Ancelotti is hopeful that Courtois will be fit to travel to London.
Discussing his availability, Real Madrid head coach Ancelotti said on Friday: “Courtois is doing better, we think he can make Tuesday.
“We have doubts about Lunin, who will have a test today and who has had a slight discomfort.
“If he’s not well, we have total confidence in Fran. The only problem with him is that he’s young, but that’s happened to everyone. I
“f his time comes tomorrow, we will be very happy for him because we are all convinced that he will be a great goalkeeper.”
