Martinelli Dodges FA Ban as Arsenal Plot Sporting Fightback

Arsenal have received welcome news on the disciplinary front following their troublesome fortnight that has left their trophy ambitions hanging by a thread.

The Gunners' hopes of a quadruple evaporated after successive defeats: the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City and a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship outfit Southampton. With those competitions now closed to them, only the Premier League and Champions League remain as realistic avenues for silverware.

Gabriel Martinelli will not face retrospective sanctions from the FA, according to reports. The Brazilian's push on referee Sam Barrott during the Southampton match had raised concerns of a potential ban, but because the official took immediate action by issuing a yellow card on the pitch, no further disciplinary measures are expected.

The incident drew criticism from former Premier League referee Mark Halsey, who told The Sun that Martinelli's conduct showed "total disrespect" towards Barrott. Halsey suggested the contact warranted a straight red rather than a caution, arguing that the decision sent an unfortunate message to grassroots officials up and down the country.

Mikel Arteta will have more encouraging news regarding his squad's fitness ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting Lisbon. Gabriel Magalhaes, who limped off with a knee problem during the Southampton defeat, trained with the full group on Tuesday and appears likely to be available.

Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard also took part in training, suggesting they will be fit for selection. However, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber remained absent from proceedings, casting doubt over their involvement in the crucial European tie.