As Arsenal prepares to host Real Madrid in a high-stakes Champions League quarter-final clash, both teams face significant challenges with six players sidelined due to injuries or suspensions.

The atmosphere at the Emirates is tense, as Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti grapple with the repercussions of their respective injury crises.

In their last matches over the weekend, Arsenal stumbled against Everton, while Real Madrid suffered a surprising defeat to Valencia, losing 2-1.

Thankfully for both teams, no additional injuries were reported, but the absence of key players looms large.

For Arsenal, the fitness issues have compounded their struggles as they prepare to face the Spanish giants. The Gunners will be without prominent players due to injuries, including Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, both of whom are confirmed to be out for the season with a knee injury and hamstring tear, respectively.

Other injured players include defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu, while Gabriel Magalhaes is also nursing a hamstring issue.

Adding to their woes, on-loan winger Raheem Sterling will miss the match due to suspension, having received his third yellow card of the campaign against PSV Eindhoven.

On a brighter note, Arsenal fans can look forward to seeing Ben White potentially back in action after a decent outing against Everton, where he managed to complete 60 minutes.

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, might also make his first start since returning.

Arteta expressed cautious optimism in his pre-match press conference, stating, "Ben finished the game, and after resting him to manage his minutes, he seems ready. Saka is back in a much better place and has been training well, so we're hopeful he can contribute."

Over in Madrid, Ancelotti faces his own set of challenges, with defensive stalwarts Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy ruled out due to injuries.

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni will also be missing as he is serving a suspension.

The team had to rely on third-choice goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez during their last match, but it appears that first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois is set to return against Arsenal after being included in the traveling squad.

Courtois himself has reassured fans of his fitness, saying, "I am fully fit. I have trained well and am ready to help the team."

With both sides depleted, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the Emirates that could hinge on which team can best adapt to their squad limitations.

Will Arsenal capitalize on their home advantage, or can Real Madrid's experience and skill triumph despite the injury setbacks? The clock is ticking down to kick-off, and fans on both sides are eagerly awaiting this pivotal clash in the quest for Champions League glory.