Manchester United duo could miss Arsenal clash due to Premier League rule

Two Manchester United players are just one booking away from a one-game suspension that could cause them to miss next month’s clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners host their Premier League rivals in a midweek kick-off on December 4.

Both sides have two games before that fixture, with Mikel Arteta’s side facing Nottingham Forest and West Ham United while the Old Trafford outfit take on Ipswich Town and Everton before making the trip to North London. United pair Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez are at risk of a one-game ban having picked up four yellow cards already this season. If either of them are booked against Ipswich they will return in time to face the Gunners but a caution against Everton will result in their suspension being served for the clash against Arteta’s side.

The duo are both carrying knocks and may not face Ipswich this weekend after Martinez was sent home from international duty with Argentina as his national manager Lionel Scaloni revealed the defender was suffering with back pain. Meanwhile, Mainoo has not played since picking up a muscle injury in a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa back in October. Ahead of the international break, caretaker United boss Ruud van Nistelrooy said the midfielder was making progress in his recovery.

“Kobbie is also progressing in his injury, he’s making the right steps, but is not yet with the team, though. That needs a bit more time,” said Van Nistelrooy when providing the latest on Mainoo ahead of the international fixtures.

Premier League suspension rules state that any player who accumulates five yellow cards before match week 19 will be issued with a one-game ban. 10 yellows before game-week 32 will result in a two-match ban. The suspension for five or 10 yellow cards is specific to the Premier League and cannot be served in the FA Cup or League Cup. Arsenal have been hit by some disciplinary suspensions this campaign but they have come after red cards with the likes of Declan Rice and William Saliba being sent off this term.

No Gunners’ stars are at immediate risk of being banned due to a high number of yellow cards with Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber on three cautions each - a number no other Arsenal player matches.