UEFA regulations put Arsenal at risk of Champions League suspension

A UEFA regulation is worrying Arsenal before their trip to Slavia Prague, since their important midfielder Declan Rice could be suspended for the vital match versus Bayern Munich if he picks up an additional yellow card.

Arsenal will travel to the Czech Republic in the early hours of November 5 (Vietnam time) for the fourth group stage fixture of the Champions League. Following a 2-0 victory over Burnley in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s squad continues to impress, winning all three European matches and keeping seven consecutive clean sheets across all competitions.

However, this joy is overshadowed by concerns from UEFA. According to tournament rules, any player who accumulates three yellow cards during the group stage will automatically be suspended for one match. Declan Rice currently has two yellows, and if he receives one more warning against Slavia Prague, he will miss the critical clash with Bayern Munich at the Emirates.

Rice recently scored to help Arsenal defeat Burnley, but the squad situation makes it difficult for Arteta to rest him. Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz are all undergoing long-term injury treatment, while Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres were absent from the latest training session. Midfielder Zubimendi is also suspended, limiting Arteta’s options.

It is highly likely Rice will start the match, but Coach Arteta must instruct him to play cautiously to avoid another yellow card. Beyond suspension worries, Rice also faces fatigue after a series of intense matches. The English player had to leave early in the win over Crystal Palace due to muscle tightness, and Arteta wants to avoid similar risks in the Champions League.

Arsenal is showing remarkable progress compared to last season — when they reached the Champions League semifinals but were eliminated by PSG. This season, their solid defense combined with flexible attacking tactics makes the “Gunners” one of the toughest teams to beat in Europe.

Slavia Prague is considered a tough opponent, especially playing at home in the Fortuna Arena, which always generates a passionate atmosphere. However, statistics favor Arsenal as they have never lost to the Czech side in their previous four meetings.

If Arsenal can get past Slavia, they will be close to securing a spot in the Champions League round of 16. Nevertheless, with the risk of Declan Rice being suspended for the Bayern Munich match, Coach Arteta will certainly need to plan carefully, since even one more yellow card could disrupt Arsenal’s strategy.

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