William Saliba will not miss next game despite getting a red card

William Saliba has picked up a three-match ban after receiving a straight red card in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday. The result which leaves Arsenal third in the Premier League seemed to be an inevitability given how early the Frenchman was dismissed, as Rob Jones brandished a red card in just the 30th minute.

Goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert secured all three points for Bournemouth, although there is some good news, as Mikel Arteta will actually be able to use William Saliba in Arsenal’s next game, despite his dismissal. Red-card suspensions only count across all domestic competitions, not European competitions, so Saliba will serve his suspension against Liverpool next weekend.

William Saliba can play in next Arsenal game

The sending-off was for preventing a clear chance to score goals, not for violent behaviour, disobedience, or a careless challenge, even though it was a straight red card. Therefore, the penalty is limited to one game and nothing more. Saliba’s availability versus Shakhtar, followed by a suspension against Liverpool, will allow him to play again against Preston North End in the League Cup and Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Saliba might have served his suspension against Shakhtar instead of Liverpool, as Arsenal supporters would likely have preferred, but those are the regulations. Given that the Spaniard will be without his No. 2 for three domestic games beginning on Sunday against Liverpool Arteta might be tempted to bench Saliba against the Ukrainian heavyweights on Tuesday.