Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will serve a three-match ban following an unsuccessful appeal against his red card at Crystal Palace.
The Arsenal captain was sent off in the 67th minute after a nasty foul on Max Meyer, for which referee Paul Tierney initially awarded a yellow card but upgraded it to a red card after a VAR check.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed the news during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of the Gunners’ game at home to Sheffield United on Saturday.
“It has been confirmed that he is going to be suspended for three games. It’s a big shame and a big loss for us, because as well we know Auba’s intention when he plays. But, unfortunately, he mistimed the tackle, he made a decision and we have to accept it,” Arteta said.
Arteta, who defended Aubameyang, said that he hopes Gabon international’s absence will not adversely affect the team’s performance.
“Auba has been around, he was very sad after the game. He was disappointed that he left the team with 10 men. It’s an action that is completely accidental in my opinion. He’s been superb under me, he’s trained really well, he’s working so hard. He’s scoring goals and has probably been the most important player on the team. So to lose him, obviously, is really bad news for us.”
Aubameyang will also sit out the Premier League game away to Chelsea next Tuesday and the FA Cup fourth round tie away to AFC Bournemouth the following Monday.
Aubameyang is Arsenal’s leading scorer this season with 16 goals in all competitions.
