Arsenal Duo Face Suspension Risk As Raheem Sterling Is Ruled Out Of Real Madrid Clash

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Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice are now just one booking away from an automatic one-match suspension, as yellow cards will remain until after the quarter-finals.

Raheem Sterling will miss the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. The Chelsea loanee, who has been instrumental in Arsenal’s recent performances, picked up a crucial yellow card in the dying moments of their 2-2 draw against PSV Eindhoven. This is his third booking in the competition, and it will result in an automatic one-game suspension, ruling him out of the highly anticipated match at Emirates Stadium.

Sterling’s absence is a considerable setback for Mikel Arteta’s side, especially given his recent form. In the second leg against PSV, Sterling was a standout performer, setting up both of Arsenal’s goals. His vision and precision were on full display as he assisted Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice, helping Arsenal secure a 9-3 aggregate victory. Despite his impressive contributions, Sterling’s late booking for a rash tackle on Johan Bakayoko means he will be unavailable for the crucial first leg against the 15-time European champions.

Adding to Arsenal’s woes, Declan Rice is now walking a disciplinary tightrope. The midfielder received his second yellow card of the tournament in the same match against PSV, putting him at risk of suspension. Should Rice receive another booking in the first leg against Real Madrid, he will be forced to sit out the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. This precarious situation places additional pressure on Rice to maintain his composure and avoid any further cautions.

gettyimages 2204781049 612x612 1 — LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Declan Rice of Arsenal reacts as is shown a yellow card by Referee Rade Obrenovic as Adamo Nagalo of PSV Eindhoven reacts as lies on the floor after being fouled during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and PSV at Arsenal Stadium on March 12, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s defensive stalwart, Jurrien Timber, is also a suspension risk. Timber, who was booked for time-wasting in the first leg against PSV, now faces the possibility of missing the second leg against Real Madrid if he receives another yellow card. With yellow cards not being reset until after the quarter-final stage, both Rice and Timber must tread carefully to avoid further disciplinary action.

The Gunners’ journey to the quarter-finals has been marked by impressive performances and strategic brilliance. However, the looming suspension risks for key players like Sterling, Rice, and Timber could significantly impact their chances of progressing further in the competition. Arteta will need to rely on the depth of his squad and the resilience of his players to navigate these challenges and keep their Champions League dreams alive.