Arsenal make William Saliba appeal decision ahead of Liverpool clash?

Arsenal have reportedly decided against appealing William Saliba's red card from the Premier League match versus Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Gunners suffered their first major bump in the road on the way to the top-flight crown on the weekend, losing 2-0 at the home of the Cherries.

In the first period, the contest changed when Arsenal star Saliba was sent off, despite both teams going into the half-time break level at a goalless scoreline.

The attacking action arrived in the second period, when efforts from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert from the spot secured maximum points for Bournemouth.

As a result, Mikel Arteta's side remain in third place in the Premier League table, already four points behind early pacesetters Liverpool.

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Arsenal make Saliba appeal decision?

According to The Sun, Arsenal have made a decision surrounding the red card of Saliba collected during the loss at Bournemouth on Saturday evening.

The report claims that the Gunners will not appeal the decision, meaning that an investigation into the incident will not be required by the Premier League.

Consequently, Saliba will miss Arsenal's next Premier League contest on Sunday afternoon, when they host Arne Slot's Liverpool at the Emirates.

The Frenchman will be able to feature for Arteta's troops in the Champions League, though, with Shakhtar Donetsk visiting North London on Tuesday night.

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Who will replace Saliba at centre-back?

With Arsenal opting against an appeal of the red card, they will be without arguably their best defender for the visit of the league leaders on Sunday.

That being said, the Gunners have a number of suitable replacements as they decide on a new partner for Brazil international Gabriel at centre-back.

Operating at left-back in recent matches, summer arrival Riccardo Calafiori is more naturally a central defender, as shown during the summer at Euro 2024.