Premier League rules ban Arsenal star from playing against...

Newcastle is now third in the standings after defeating Chelsea 2-0 on Sunday, while Arsenal is in second place going

into their penultimate game of the season.

If Arsenal defeats Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (4:30 p.m. kickoff), they would essentially secure a

second-place finish for the third straight season. However, Newcastle would advance to second place going into the

season’s last day with a victory.

Both sides will be without some key players for the match, with Arsenal dealt a fresh blow in the closing stages of

their 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

Mikel Merino, a former midfielder for Newcastle United, was fired shortly after Arsenal equalised at Anfield. The

Spaniard’s eighth goal of the season came just before he was given a second yellow card for losing control on the edge

of Arsenal’s penalty area.

After trailing 2-0, the Gunners rallied to win the match despite playing the final ten minutes with ten men.

However, Merino will not be allowed to play against Newcastle after receiving a red card. According to Premier

League regulations, players who are sent off for two bookable offences automatically receive a one-match

punishment.

Due to injuries, Arsenal will also be without Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu in addition to

Merino. Kai Havertz is also doubtful.

Newcastle is concerned about Sven Botman’s fitness after the defender was benched against Chelsea because of yet

another knee injury, and Joelinton, Kieran Trippier, and Joe Willock are also questionable for the season’s last two

games.

Lewis Hall and Matt Targett are already out till the summer.

After missing the Chelsea game, Newcastle’s head coach Eddie Howe gave an update on Willock and Trippier, saying,

“We don’t think they’re big injuries.” However, the season is almost finished and there is not much time left.

“We would really like to get them back in shape and able to play a part, but I’m not sure if that’s feasible right now.”

Newcastle will play Everton at home on May 25 to wrap off the season after playing Arsenal.

In 2017, Merino made the first loan move from Borussia Dortmund to Newcastle, which was eventually extended to a

permanent position following an outstanding debut. After just one season and 25 games, the midfielder was traded

to Sociedad after failing to live up to his early promise at St. James’ Park.

The Euro 2024 champion said of Merino’s brief stint at Newcastle that it had a lasting effect on him: “[A transfer to]

The Premier League had caught my attention because I enjoyed myself a lot at Newcastle and I always left the door

open to returning,” he told Spanish publication La Opinion de A Coruna. I have no idea what the future holds for me.

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