Why isn’t Lisandro Martínez playing for Man Utd against Arsenal today?

Rubén Amorim is without Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo for Wednesday's match against Arsenal at the Emirates, his toughest test yet on paper.

Rúben Amorim has had a positive start as Manchester United's new head coach, with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich, followed by home wins over Bodø/Glimt (3-2) and Everton (4-0).

On Wednesday (December 4), the Portuguese faces the toughest test of his short tenure to date when the Red Devils visit Arsenal in the Premier League, a challenge made even more difficult by the absence of Lisandro Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo.

Martinez has started 17 of United's 21 games in all competitions this season, including the last two games under Amorim. The Argentine did not play in his new coach's debut at Ipswich as he was recovering from a back injury.

However, his absence this week has nothing to do with fitness. Martínez will instead not be available against the Gunners due to the yellow card he picked up against Everton on Sunday. It was the centre-back's fifth time in the Premier League this season, for which he received a one-match ban.

Why doesn't Kobbie Mainoo pay for Manchester United against Arsenal?

Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will miss the heavyweight match at the Emirates for the same reason. The 19-year-old sat out four Premier League games before the November international break due to a muscle problem, but also picked up his fifth yellow card in the competition upon returning from injury at the weekend.

Mainoo is therefore also suspended, leaving Amorim without two likely starters against Arsenal.

What are the yellow card suspension rules in the Premier League?

Premier League rules state that players who receive five yellow cards at any point in their first 19 matches will receive a one-match ban. As the season progresses, any player who receives 10 yellow cards in their first 32 matches will receive a two-match suspension.

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