Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is suspended for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United this weekend. The Gabon striker received a straight red card against Crystal Palace and will serve the first game of a three-match ban.
Aubameyang was initially only shown a yellow for the lunge on Max Meyer during the 1-1 draw, but a VAR review saw the punishment increased.
The Gunners captain will now sit out this weekend’s meeting with Sheffield United before also missing the midweek clash with Chelsea and the FA Cup fourth round tie with Bournemouth.
Arsenal appealed against the suspension but the ban will stand, causing manager Mikel Arteta to lament the absence of his side’s top scorer.
"It's a big shame and a big loss for us, but he mistimed the tackle and we have to accept it," said Arteta.
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The Brazilian has been excellent during limited appearances so far this season and the majority of Arsenal fans will hope he gets an extended run in the side.
Mesut Ozil is expected to line up in the No 10 role while Nicolas Pepe should retain his starting berth on the right wing.
Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira both featured from the off against Palace but the latter was forced off injured at half-time so Matteo Guendouzi should come in here.
Kieran Tierney is sidelined as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder while Sead Kolasinac could miss Saturday’s game with a thigh strain.
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Bukayo Saka should therefore deputise at left-back while David Luiz and Sokratis Papastathopoulos will continue in central defence.
Calum Chambers is a long-term absentee after surgery on a ruptured ACL but Hector Bellerin is in contention after a thigh strain and could replace Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right-back.
Bernd Leno will continue in goal while Sheffield United have a clean bill of health ahead to this weekend’s clash.
The Blades are exceeding all expectations this season and currently sit sixth in the Premier League, seven points off the top four while Arsenal are struggling down in tenth and have just one win from their past six top-flight fixtures.
Arsenal team news: Is this how the Gunners will line up against Sheffield United? (Image: buildlineup.com)
Arsenal predicted line-up vs Sheffield United – Premier League