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Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and Declan Rice in Danger Against Bayern

Kai Havertz and Declan Rice. Photo by r/Gunners via Reddit
Declan Rice was yellow carded against Porto in the last round. (Photo by r/Gunners via Reddit)

Arsenal‘s upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich brings with it a significant concern for Gunners fans, as two of their key players, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, are walking a disciplinary tightrope.

Both Havertz and Rice are just one yellow card away from suspension, adding an element of tension to the crucial first-leg match at the Emirates.

Emirates Atmosphere and Bayern’s Absent Fans

The Emirates Stadium will be buzzing with anticipation as Arsenal hosts Bayern Munich, with the atmosphere set to be electric as only Gunners fans will be in attendance.

Arsenal fans. (Photo by Richard Pelham via The Sun)
Arsenal will receive a morale boost from Bayern’s absence of fans at the Emirates. (Photo by Richard Pelham via The Sun)

UEFA’s decision to ban Bayern fans from the match due to previous misconduct has heightened the sense of occasion.

Despite Bayern’s formidable reputation, Arsenal’s strong form in the league has made them favorites for this encounter, although the path to the semi-finals is expected to be challenging.

Arteta’s Concerns and Bayern’s Yellow Card Dilemma

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta faces a dilemma as he navigates the potential absence of Havertz and Rice for the second leg at the Allianz Arena.

Mikel Arteta
Arsenal is back in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in 14 years. (Photo via Daily Post)

Havertz, in particular, has been prone to yellow cards this season, accumulating eight in the Premier League and 11 in all competitions.

Arteta expressed surprise at Havertz’s disciplinary record, acknowledging the need for improvement in this aspect of the game.

“Yeah. If you told me another player, maybe not, but with him yeah.

“I will have to go back and look at those yellow cards, but if they are yellow cards then we’ll have to improve because we don’t want our players having that many because we are the best in the league for that. It’s something to improve.”

Bayern Munich also grapple with similar concerns, as the likes of Alphonso Davies and Leon Goretzka are also one yellow card away from suspension.

The prospect of key players missing crucial matches due to disciplinary issues adds an extra layer of complexity to the quarter-final tie.

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