Arteta given major boost as 'spectacular' midfielder ruled out of Gunners clash

Arsenal have been given a major boost with Fulham’s Joao Palhinha suspended for the Cottagers’ game against the Gunners.

Gabriel Martinelli netted the only goal of the game as Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.

The Brazilian latched onto a deft pass from Leandro Trossard and rolled his shot past Danny Ward.

The victory has given Arsenal a five-point lead over title challengers Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola’s side can close the gap to just two points with a win against Bournemouth on Saturday evening.

Having seemingly overcome a league wobble, which saw Mikel Arteta’s side drop seven points from a possible nine, the club will now look ahead to Arsenal’s midweek encounter against Everton on Wednesday.

However, looking even further into the future the Gunners have been handed a boost for their game against Fulham, which is due to take place at Craven Cottage on March 12.

Palhinha suspended for Arsenal game

Palhinha has been suspended from the Cottagers' next two Premier League games after picking up his tenth yellow card of the season.

The Portugal international was shown a tenth yellow card of the campaign in Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday night.

Indeed, according to the Premier League website: “Players who accumulate 10 yellow cards in Premier League matches up to and including their team's 32nd fixture will serve a two-match ban in the competition.

“In Gameweek 25, Palhinha collected his 10th caution of the season in Fulham's 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers. He will miss the encounters with Brentford and Arsenal, and will next be available for selection in Gameweek 28 when Fulham visit Liverpool.”

Palhinha has been one of Fulham’s star players this term, having signed from Sporting for around £20million last summer

Indeed, earlier this month Fulham boss Marco Silva heaped praise on the 27-year-old. Silva said: "He has been gigantic. In fact, our signings have been important and added value to the team.

"In the specific case of João [Palhinha], when we decided to hire him, he knew what we needed for that position. He is, let's say, our reaction to the loss of the ball, is fundamental in our strategy and balance, despite having to add some things in terms of quality with the ball.

"Position six is key in our strategy."