Arsenal are at risk of losing two stars to suspension should they be cautioned in the Gunners' clash against Brentford. Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber have both been shown four yellow cards in the opening 18 Premier League matches of this season. One more against the Bees on New Years' Day would see them pick up a one-game ban and miss the trip to Brighton.
However, if they avoid being cautioned at the Gtech Stadium, both players will be able to wipe away the sweat. A yellow card in a league match beyond that point would not lead to an immediate suspension. After 19 games are complete, players will only serve a ban should they hit 10 yellow cards in the opening 32 matches. That will result in a two-game ban.
Jorginho and Declan Rice narrowly avoided a nervous wait after avoiding punishment in Arsenal's win over Ipswich. The midfielders have both earned three yellow cards this season and, by accumulation of cautions this term at least, will not receive a suspension for actions against Brentford - unless they are sent off.
Mikel Arteta will be hopeful of not suffering from more Arsenal absences after Bukayo Saka was forced under the knife following his most recent injury. The Spaniard is also without Ben White, Raheem Sterling and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injury. Saka has been ruled out for around two months after limping out of Arsenal's 5-1 win at Crystal Palace. The England star suffered a torn hamstring.
