The 10 Arsenal players walking suspension tightrope ahead of busy Premier League fixture schedule

Arsenal have a very busy schedule ahead of them, with the festive period just a handful of weeks away.

In fact, the Gunners will play 10 games over the next five weeks. In the Premier League Mikel Arteta’s side will play eight times over the next 35 days, including Saturday’s trip to London rivals West Ham United.

“Less travelling is always better,” Arteta said. “It’s crazy that we have that many games so close to us. I think it helps, because the amount of games that we have to play in that period is very high.”

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With so many games to play, it’s vital Arteta has most of his squad fit and available in the upcoming weeks. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are the only real long-term absentees, while Kieran Tierney is training with the first team again and should be fit to make a return soon.

Suspensions could become an issue, however. According to Premier League rules, players who receive a total of five yellow cards in their first 19 matches will be given a one-match suspension. The Gunners’ 19th game of the season is against Brentford on New Year’s Day.

So, which Arsenal players are close to picking up a suspension? The closest is Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian has already picked up four yellow cards in the league this season, meaning if he were to be booked against West Ham on Saturday, he would be suspended for Arsenal’s clash against Manchester United four days later.

Jorginho and Jurrien Timber are on three yellow cards, meaning they will also need to tread carefully over the coming games. Interestingly, Arsenal also have seven players on two yellow cards for the season. While these players are not necessarily that close to the five yellow card threshold yet, a couple of bookings over the next few games and they certainly will be.

The Arsenal players on two yellow cards are; Kai Havertz, Thomas Partey, David Raya, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Ben White. After Saturday’s trip to West Ham, Arsenal welcome Manchester United to Emirates Stadium next Wednesday, before travelling to Fulham on Sunday, December 8.

In a December which sees Arsenal remain in London throughout, Arteta will also see his side face Everton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Brentford. It’s a vital period for the north Londoners as they aim to try and catch Liverpool at the top of the table.