Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is nearing a potential Champions League suspension, with matches against Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid coming up, but a change to UEFA's disciplinary rules means he is not yet at risk.
The Gunners drew 2-2 away at Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, dropping their first points in this season's league phase. Mikel Arteta's side took the lead when Eberechi Eze's goal was allowed to stand after a VAR check, before Declan Rice equalised in the 82nd minute following goals from Alphonso Davies and Harry Kane that had turned the game around.
The result leaves Arsenal on seven points after three games, and they remain unbeaten in the competition alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Real Betis, Stuttgart and Bayern.
Havertz's yellow card count
The one negative from an otherwise positive night in Munich was the yellow card shown to Havertz as early as the 13th minute for a foul on Josip Stanisic. Having also been booked in the 3-0 win over Lille on matchday two last week, the German is now on two yellow cards in the Champions League.
However, a change to the ruling means Havertz is not walking the disciplinary tight-rope just yet.
New UEFA rule explained
Previously, Havertz would have had to serve a suspension if he picked up three yellow cards before the quarter-final stage of the Champions League. Now, the threshold has been extended to four yellow cards.
UEFA have stated: "As from the first match in the league phase, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after four yellow cards, that did not result in a red card, as well as after any subsequent even-numbered yellow cards (sixth, eighth, etc.)."
They added: "This is a new rule change as of the start of the 2026/27 season, with players in previous seasons suspended after three yellow cards."
Upcoming fixtures
Arsenal are back in Champions League action against Slavia Praha on November 4 before welcoming Dortmund and Real Madrid to the Emirates Stadium on matchday five and six respectively.
