Arsenal: Mohamed Elneny overturned suspension deceptively pivotal

Mohamed Elneny had his three-match suspension overturned on Tuesday afternoon. The decision by the FA is deceptively pivotal for Arsenal’s season.

It was an eventful end to Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday. In fact, it was an eventful game period. But perhaps the most controversial and discussed moment came in the closing stages with two players sent for an early bath and another perhaps deserving of one.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast right here

It started with Jack Wilshere and Jack Stephens. A tug of the shirt, a kick-out, an aggressive push to the floor. A red card for the latter, just a yellow for Wilshere. But then, just as Southampton were set to take the ensuing free-kick, Mohamed Elneny decided to get involved.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

The Egyptian allegedly raised his hands to several Southampton players, though the pictures were far from clear, and the referee brandished his second red card in a matter of moments, banishing the midfielder for the remaining few minutes. That meant that he would miss the next three matches through suspension. Even though he is only seen as a squad, rotational player who can spell those more important at crucial times in the season, it is still frustrating.

However, the FA, who review every suspension after the weekend’s action and determine whether it is reasonable for the behaviour of the player, have since overturned the suspension, stating that Elneny was ‘wrongly dismissed for violent conduct.’ That may not take back the handful of minutes that he missed on the day, but it does mean that Arsene Wenger will have him to call on in the next three Premier League games.

The games that Elneny would have missed are next weekend’s away tie against Newcastle United, the next week’s hosting of West Ham United, before travelling to Old Trafford the week after. While these games in and of themselves do not really matter that much — the Premier League simply has little weighting between now and the end of the year –, the fact that Wenger can use Elneny in these three fixtures should not be overlooked.

For the Gunners, this season now solely rests on their Europa League campaign, one that could reach the semi-finals after Thursday night’s trip to CSKA Moscow. The West Ham game comes just four days before the first leg of the semi-final. The Manchester United game then splits the two legs, coming just three days after the first leg and four days before the second leg.

While Elneny’s suspension had no bearing on his European involvement, Wenger may have had to field the likes of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey in those Premier League games, something that he seemingly does not want to do judging by his team selection at the weekend. Given their infamous injury history, that is something that would be most wise to do.

Next: Arsenal Vs CSKA Moscow: Predicted starting XI

So although Elneny’s availability is not especially groundbreaking, deceptively, it could be pivotal to the form and fitness of others in the squad heading those Europa League semi-finals. And that is absolutely invaluable.