Manchester City could be without captain Bernardo Silva for their crunch Premier League showdown with Arsenal next month.
Silva is walking a disciplinary tightrope after picking up yellow cards in three consecutive league matches, taking his tally to eight for the season.
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The Portuguese midfielder was cautioned during City’s recent win over Newcastle, keeping Pep Guardiola’s side firmly in the title race.
Under Premier League rules, any player who reaches 10 yellow cards before their team completes 32 matches receives an automatic two-game suspension.
City have played 28 league games so far, meaning Silva must avoid two bookings in the next four fixtures to stay available.
Upcoming matches against Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, West Ham United and Chelsea will determine whether he reaches that threshold.
If Silva collects two more yellow cards before the 32-game mark, he would miss the potentially decisive clash with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, reports Standard.
However, domestic cup competitions are unaffected by league yellow card totals, offering relief ahead of City’s Carabao Cup final appearance.
Guardiola will hope his influential playmaker maintains discipline, as his leadership and creativity could prove crucial in the title run-in.
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