Declan Rice and Kai Havertz walking Arsenal suspension tightrope amid Champions League fear

Despite all the drama between Arsenal and Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, from penalty calls to handballs and red card decisions, the Gunners managed to avoid a concern that their opponents did not. Alphonso Davies will miss the second leg after receiving a yellow card, meaning he is suspended.

Arsenal had two players in the same scenario going into the game which had raised concerns. Thankfully, neither Declan Rice nor Kai Havertz was booked meaning that both players are indeed available for the clash in Munich next week.

Havertz has been in focus somewhat for his ill-discipline as the highest receiver of bookings in the Arsenal squad, and if he was to get sent off against Aston Villa by picking up two yellow cards, this would take him to 10 for the season and incur an additional two-match ban. Thankfully he avoided a booking against Brighton, which would have added significant pressure to the weekend clash.

The danger is not over, however. Yellow card suspension tallies are not wiped until after the quarter-finals have completed, meaning both Rice and Havertz remain at risk.

If either were to be booked in the game against Bayern in the Allianz Arena next week, they would be suspended for the following match. Should Arsenal progress, this would be the home fixture against either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the semi-finals of the competition.

Losing either player would be a massive blow to Mikel Arteta, but certainly Rice in particular would be the most concerning. The midfielder has not missed a single game for the club all season, barring the third-round Carabao Cup win over Brentford in which he was given some time off for recovery.

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