Matteo Guendouzi will face no action from the Football Association following his clash with Brighton's Neal Maupay during Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at the Amex Stadium. The FA confirmed that VAR reviewed the incident and deemed it not a red-card offence, despite television footage showing Guendouzi placing his hand on Maupay's throat.
The altercation occurred after Maupay scored a stoppage-time winner, capping a running dispute that began in the first half when Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno suffered a serious knee injury following a challenge from the Brighton striker. Both clubs have been warned by the FA about their conduct.
Guendouzi will be available for Arsenal's trip to Southampton on Thursday. However, Leno is expected to be sidelined for months after hyper-extending his knee, with an update on his condition due by Tuesday.
The Gunners face a tough battle for European qualification after consecutive defeats, compounded by injuries to Granit Xhaka and Pablo Marí, and David Luiz's suspension. Arsenal's preparations for the restart were also disrupted when a squad member tested positive for Covid-19, later deemed a false negative after two subsequent negative tests.
Arsenal have until Tuesday to secure David Luiz's services beyond 30 June, while contract extensions for loanees Dani Ceballos and Cédric Soares remain unresolved. Third-choice goalkeeper Matt Macey's contract runs until 2021, not this summer as previously thought.
