Arsenal received their third red card in just eight games when William Saliba was given his marching orders in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
The Frenchman was initially shown a yellow card when he dragged down Evanilson in the first half, only for VAR to upgrade the decision to a red, ruling Saliba had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity as the last man.
Not only did Saliba’s dismissal harm Arsenal’s chances of a result, but it could also have a major impact on the Premier League title race as the 23-year-old prepares to serve a suspension.
What suspension will William Saliba serve?
Saliba was shown a straight red card for his foul on Evanilson, the punishment for which is usually a three-match ban.
However, as per the Premier League’s disciplinary rules, such a suspension is only for examples of violent conduct or dangerous play, such as a high tackle or an off-ball altercation.
When it comes to last-man fouls, officially deemed “professional fouls”, the punishment is only a one-game suspension.
Which game will William Saliba miss?
Saliba remains available for the midweek clash with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, but he will be suspended for the return of Premier League action next weekend.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Saliba could hardly be missing a bigger game as the Gunners welcome Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
How will Arsenal replace William Saliba against Liverpool?
It was Jakub Kiwior who came off the bench to partner Gabriel Magalhaes after Saliba was sent down the tunnel.
Arteta has rarely shown much faith in the Poland international, however, and may opt to do something different when given the chance to tweak things from the start.
Riccardo Calafiori, who has been a regular at left-back, is just as comfortable at centre-back, while Dutchman Jurrien Timber can play anywhere across the back line.