Two Arsenal players are at risk of Champions League bans ahead of showdown with Sporting Lisbon

Going into tonight’s Champions League quarter-final battle with Sporting Lisbon, two Arsenal stars know a booking could be costly.

The pair of players will have to be on their best behaviour to ensure they make it through the match unscathed.

Martin Zubimendi and one other Arsenal player at risk of Champions League bans

After overcoming Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16, ‘The Gunners’ have travelled to Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal, for an opportunity to bag themselves a place in the final four. However, not one but two players have to be careful to avoid receiving yellow cards that would result in them missing the second leg.

Martin Zubimendi, who has been important for Mikel Arteta, has officially been named in Arsenal’s starting XI. After getting booked against Athletic Club, Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid, the Spaniard served a suspension. Following his return to action, Zubimendi was booked again during the Round of 16, meaning he’s now on the cusp of a fifth yellow card.

As per the UEFA rules: “Players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after three cautions, which did not result in a red card, as well as following any subsequent odd-numbered caution (fifth, seventh, ninth, etc.)”

In addition, Christian Norgaard, who hasn’t featured as frequently, could come off the bench and make an appearance tonight. However, having been booked against Slavia Prague and Club Brugge, he also can’t afford to make any errors.

Interestingly, Declan Rice, who’s on three yellow cards, will be walking on eggshells to avoid a confrontation with the referee.

Arsenal have won nine out of ten games in this season’s Champions League. However, with the possibility of a quadruple crumbling into smithereens after losing in the League Cup final and being dumped out of the FA Cup by Southampton, a big performance against Sporting Lisbon is paramount.

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