Arsenal have opted not to appeal the red card handed to defender William Saliba following Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Bournemouth.
Consequently, Saliba will miss Sunday’s highly anticipated Premier League matchup against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
William Saliba’s Red Card Incident
The French defender was dismissed in the 30th minute after bringing down Bournemouth’s Evanilson, denying a clear scoring opportunity.
Referee Rob Jones initially issued a yellow card but upgraded it to red after a VAR review.
Arsenal defender William Saliba’s red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity has resulted in a one-match ban, which the club will not appeal.
Unfortunately, this suspension coincides with Liverpool’s visit to the Emirates Stadium, managed by Arne Slot.
Meanwhile, Saliba’s absence will be felt, particularly given his consistent pairing with Gabriel Magalhaes in the center-back position this season.
Saliba’s red card makes it Arsenal’s third red card of the season, following Declan Rice’s and Leandro Trossard’s dismissals, raising concerns about disciplinary issues within the squad.
William Saliba Stars In Arsenal 1-0 Win Against Shakhtar Donetsk
Although Saliba will miss the Liverpool game, the French star was in action in Tuesday’s Champions League 1-0 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk, as domestic bans do not apply in European competitions.
The Gunners rebounded after suffering their first unexpected loss of the season to Bournemouth with a 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in the first half, which rebounded off goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk, secured the victory.
Despite Leandro Trossard missing a penalty and David Raya making a crucial save in stoppage time, Arsenal’s triumph was overshadowed by a second-half injury to Riccardo Califiori.
Additionally, Ben White was unable to continue playing in the match, just days before facing Liverpool in the Premier League.
Injury Concerns Ahead of Liverpool Clash
Arsenal face Liverpool with a lengthy injury list, including Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal were again without Bukayo Saka in Tuesday’s Champions League match with the hamstring injury he sustained during the international break, and the England international is expected to be absent on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Gunners’ defense will be tested, with Saliba and Magalhaes having started every Premier League game this season.
Who could replace William Saliba in Arsenal’s defense?
Saliba’s absence is crucial for Arsenal’s defense when they face Premier League toppers Liverpool, especially with Jurrien Timber’s fitness also in question for Arteta.
Timber was injured during the Champions League match against PSG in October and has not played since.
He wasn’t also featured in Tuesday’s UCL clash against Shakhtar Donetsk. If he can recover in time for the weekend, it might allow White to partner with Gabriel in central defense.
However, if Timber remains unavailable, Arsenal can field Kiwior who filled in for Saliba against Bournemouth, despite making a costly mistake leading to a goal.
What’s next?
Arsenal will host Liverpool in a fierce Premier League battle on Sunday, October 27 at Emirate Stadium. The kickoff for the match is 17:30 BST.
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