Double trouble for Arsenal

Gervinho

Arsenal might be in trouble when facing Liverpool and Manchester United in the coming games. Ivory Coast forward Gervinho is out for 3 matches after FA dismissed a claim from the Gunners following his red card in Saturday’s game.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast forward was sent off in the second half of the goalless draw at St James' Park for striking Magpies midfielder Joey Barton following what the home side claimed was a dive in the penalty area.

Alex Song

On Monday, the Gunners lodged a claim that the standard three-game ban was "clearly excessive", but an FA regulatory commission heard the case on Tuesday and ruled that the punishment should stand.

Arsenal midfielder Alex Song faces a separate charge of violent conduct after his stamp on Barton, which had inflamed the situation, was missed by referee Peter Walton.

Gervinho will miss the games against Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea - and Song could also be hit by the same retrospective punishment.This will be a big blow for Wenger who already have lost Fabregas while Nasri is reported out of the Emirates stadium in the days to come.