Before Arsenal jet out to Spain for their Champions League quarter-final return leg, opponents Real Madrid have offered a fitness update for two injured stars. Mikel Arteta's side after Declan Rice's brace and Mikel Merino's strike handed them a 3-0 advantage.
However, they must not be lax when they travel to face reigning champions Real in their own backyard; otherwise, all the hard work of last Tuesday could unwind. The task is clear - do not concede three or more goals, at least without reply. For that, Arsenal will hope to gain any kind of advantage.
And their opponents, via the , have suggested this may arrive in the form of two players failing to return from injury in time for kick-off.
" as they begin preparing for the return leg of the Champions League quarter-final. [Carlo] Ancelotti's boys will face Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu (Wednesday, 9:00 pm CEST).
"Some players completed a recovery session using the indoor facilities, while the rest completed rondos, high-intensity possession and pressing exercises, and played a match on a reduced-size pitch.
"[Ferland] Mendy and [Andriy] Lunin continue with their recovery programs," they confirmed.
French full-back Mendy has not played since the last-16's second leg last month whilst back-up goalkeeper Lunin has been absent for three matches. That said, first-choice Thibaut Courtois has since been passed fit in his absence.
Both are still training individually based on this Monday report, suggesting they are still a distance from returning prior to the Gunners' visit.
One Real player who undertook outdoor training is Kylian Mbappe. The French striker was sent off in La Liga action at the weekend for a highly dangerous foul.
Because he was playing in a non-UEFA competition, Mbappe will only be given a domestic suspension for his actions and is therefore free to play against Arsenal.
, Luka Modric, David Alaba, Endrick and Dani Ceballos were all also pictured in outdoor drills.
The latter, who made 77 appearances previously on loan with the Gunners from the Spanish capital, only made his return from a hamstring problem at the weekend so would be rushed back if he were to start on Wednesday night.
It is known that Real will definitely be without long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, and finally midfielder Eduardo Camavinga will miss the second leg having been sent off at the Emirates Stadium last week.
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