Will Mbappe face Arsenal amid 10-game suspension threat?

If there’s one player Real Madrid will want on the pitch for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Arsenal, it’s Kylian Mbappe.

Trailing by three goals after a heavy defeat in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Los Blancos will need every ounce of firepower at their disposal to keep their hopes of a successful title defence alive.

However, the French superstar was sent off in the 38th minute of their La Liga clash on Sunday after a horrific challenge on Alavés midfielder Antonio Blanco, leaving Madrid to battle for over 50 minutes with 10 men.

Despite the incident overshadowing the match, Madrid managed to secure the three points, keeping the pressure on Barcelona in the for the La Liga title.

Fortunately for Madrid, Mbappe's suspension will not impact their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday. The red card, earned in a domestic league match, carries a ban applicable only applicable to domestic competetions.  

Meanwhile, former referee Keith Hackett has called for a strong response to the challenge, suggesting that the severity of Mbappé’s tackle warrants a significant suspension.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said, "Mbappe's challenge was brutal. It put at risk the safety of his opponent. The referee acted swiftly by showing the red card. Now the authorities must show that there is no place in the game for this type of challenge by issuing Mbappe a 10-game ban. Come on now, let's stop this type of action by any player in the game."

While Hackett’s proposed punishment is unlikely, Mbappe could face a three-match suspension in domestic competitions. The ban would temporarily sideline him in Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign but will have no bearing on his Champions League participation.