Real Madrid learn Antonio Rudiger & Kylian Mbappe suspension verdict for Arsenal clash

Antonio Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe are both free to face Arsenal in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg after avoiding an immediate suspension.

UEFA opened an investigation into Real Madrid’s celebrations after the last-16 triumph over Atletico Madrid, with Rudiger and Mbappe under scrutiny alongside Vinicius Junior and Dani Ceballos for a series of gestures.

Most of Madrid’s concern revolved around Rudiger, who was seen running his thumb across his throat towards the crowd. There were significant fears that he would be handed a suspension and ruled out of the Arsenal clash.

While UEFA have issued both Rudiger and Mbappe with one-game bans, they will not be enforced immediately and will instead be subject to a one-year probation, meaning the pair are both free to face Arsenal on Tuesday.

Rudiger has been issued a fine of €40,000, while Mbappe will pay €30,000 for his own gesture.

Ceballos has avoided any sort of ban and has simply been issued a €20,000 suspension, while no further action was taken against Vinicius.

The news comes as a significant boost for manager Carlo Ancelotti, for whom Rudiger, Vinicius and Mbappe are all near-permanent starters. Ceballos was also a regular feature in the Madrid lineup but is currently sidelined with a muscle injury.