UEFA Rule Leaves Arsenal Star at Risk of Champions League Ban

A UEFA rule may lead to one of Arsenal's key players facing a Champions League ban, ahead of their match against Slavia Prague.

The Gunners continued their fantastic start to the season on Saturday, with a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.

Arsenal once again scored from a set piece, as Viktor Gyokeres found the back of the net, before Declan Rice headed home a second just before half-time.

Although Burnley grew into the game in the second-half, Arsenal's solid defence held firm to secure their seventh consecutive clean sheet.

They now travel to the Czech Republic to face Slavia Prague at 17:45 GMT on Tuesday, hoping to maintain their perfect record in the Champions League and record a fourth straight win in the competition.

However, Arsenal will be light in attack for the trip to Prague.

Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz all remain long-term absences.

While neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Viktor Gyokeres took part in training on Monday afternoon.

Viktor Gyokeres scored against Burnley (Image: Getty)

Midfielder Martin Zubimendi is also suspended for the clash, leaving Mikel Arteta with a huge selection headache.

Rice looks set to start once again following his goal against Burnley at the weekend.

However, the midfielder has already picked up two yellow cards in the competition, meaning if he receives another caution in Prague, he will be suspended for one match.

That would rule him out of a crucial fixture at the Emirates later this month, when Arteta's side host Bayern Munich.

Although Arteta may want to rest his midfielder on Tuesday night, Arsenal's injury problems mean it almost inevitable that Rice will have to start.

Declan Rice celebrates for Arsenal (Image: Getty)

Alongside the risk of suspension, Arteta will also be wary of fatigue or injury from overplaying the England international.

Rice was forced off during the recent win over Crystal Palace, although he was fit enough to make the bench for the midweek victory against Brighton.

After Arsenal's strong start to the season, confidence is growing among supporters that the team can challenge for major honours this year.

The Gunners reached the Champions League semi-finals last season, losing 3-1 on aggregate to eventual winners Paris Saint Germain.

But they appear to be an even stronger team this season, particularly defensively.

Their latest challenge will be overcoming what is expected to be a hostile atmosphere at the Fortuna Arena in Prague.

However, the reigning Czech champions have never beaten Arsenal in their previous four attempts.