Aston Villa star suspended for Arsenal game

Aston Villa midfielder Joao Gomes is suspended for the Premier League game against Arsenal after his sending-off against Brighton & Hove Albion on the road on Sunday.

The Brazil international made his league debut for the Villans against the Seagulls. He had a forgettable outing and made an error leading to the fourth goal scored.

Soon after, he was handed a straight red card for violent conduct, and he is now expected to miss the next three league matches, including Arsenal's visit to Villa Park.

The Gunners secured a convincing 3-0 win over Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium in the curtain-raiser, and will go into the upcoming game with confidence.

Villa have been a bogey club for the Gunners in the past, but the Midlands outfit are badly placed, having sold several key stars and could lose more before the deadline.

Ollie Watkins was out of the matchday squad alongside Emiliano Martinez today. The former is pushing to join Al-Hilal before the transfer deadline.