As Arsenal prepare for a huge clash in the Champions League with Real Madrid, the fate of the tie could be decided on which squad deals with injuries, fatigue and suspensions the best.
The Gunners beat Los Blancos 3-0 in the first leg, putting themselves in the driving seat when leaving the Emirates Stadium.
They will have the tough task of travelling to the Bernabeu, though, which may well turn the tie against Arsenal if things quickly devolve against them.
One of the key elements could be injuries and suspensions, not least with injury concerns for Thomas Partey and Jorginho in midfield.
Ben White picked up a knock, only further adding to the worries that the North London club has going into it.
As for Real Madrid, they are set to be boosted by a return for one star who could turn their Champions League fate around.
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Carlo Ancelotti reveals Dani Ceballos injury return for Arsenal clash
While there are a few injury concerns for Real Madrid to think about, there is a return for Dani Ceballos to come.
That’s according to Carlo Ancelotti, who revealed the midfielder is set to return for their coming La Liga fixture with Alaves, as well as a showdown with Arsenal.
The Real Madrid boss told the press: “He’s [Dani Ceballos] available for tomorrow and for Arsenal.”
The Spaniard had previously enjoyed a spell at Arsenal with some mixed success, joining the club on loan in 2019 for two years.
While that spell came with flashes of quality, a permanent move wasn’t secured, and instead, he has stayed with the Gunners.
Since then, the 28-year-old has made a surprising re-emergence in the Real Madrid team and has become an important option.
Speaking in January this year, Ancelotti said on Ceballos: “Ceballos has contributed a lot in this period. He has returned to his best form after several muscular problems and is now in very good shape.
“He looks more secure with the ball. He can play in the important matches, of course.”
Real Madrid will certainly be hoping that he can step up with an important return against his old club in the weeks ahead.
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Dani Ceballos’ record at Arsenal
Dani Ceballos enjoyed a two-year stay at Arsenal, where he showed flashes of brilliance under both Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.
The Real Madrid loanee racked up over 75 appearances, though he didn’t quite have the output to match those displays.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 77 | 2 | 5 |
He later came out with plenty of praise for Arteta when he told Marca: “Arteta has everything to be the top 3 of the best coaches in the world.
“I learned new things with him. I anticipated what would happen in the matches. What I experienced with him I will hardly experience with another.
“He knows what the player needs. For me, he will be one of the best in the world. The Premier League is a very physical league.
“In every game, the players end up with cramps. It was hard for me to get into the rhythm. But that league makes you a much better player. My time in the Premier has been fundamental in my career.”
While he has progressed plenty in the years since, Arteta will be hopeful the player of his past can’t come back to haunt him.
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