Arsenal, the Premier League club, are facing a potential suspension risk for their left-back player, Riccardo Calafiori. This comes after the recent 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Manager Mikel Arteta was forced to field a new central defensive partnership due to an unfortunate injury blow. William Saliba picked up a knock in training which paved the way for Cristhian Mosquera to partner with Piero Hincapie.
During this match, there were as many as six bookings for the Gunners. One of those who received an early yellow card was Riccardo Calafiori. To avoid any risks with the Italian player, Arteta replaced him with Myles Lewis-Skelly at half-time.
Yellow card threshold
Calafiori has now accumulated four yellow cards in his 13 Premier League appearances this term. He is just one booking short of reaching the threshold that would result in a one-game suspension. The suspension threshold will increase to ten yellow cards on matchday 20 and currently, Calafiori is walking a tightrope.
Arsenal will host Brentford at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday before an early Saturday kick-off against Aston Villa on the road. Unai Emery’s side are currently in-form having accumulated 12 points from their last five matches and are six points adrift of Arsenal at top position.
Arteta faces a significant decision midweek as Arsenal can ill-afford to have Calafiori suspended for their game at Villa Park due to his crucial role in defence line-up.
Possible solutions
In our view, Myles Lewis-Skelly seems primed to make his first league start of this campaign at left-back, which could nullify the suspension risk for Calafiori. He could also come off the bench if required.
On the other hand, a yellow card for Calafiori against Villa may not prove detrimental as Arsenal will host bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers after their Midlands trip. The game against Aston Villa could be their next major challenge. Arsenal has beaten the Villans only once in their previous four meetings. Emery’s men managed to come from two goals down to share spoils at Emirates earlier this year.
Despite Sunday's 1-1 draw at Chelsea, Arsenal still maintains a handy five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of league standings. However, with Calafiori's potential suspension looming over them, it remains to be seen how Arteta and his team navigate through these challenges.
