Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 7y

Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny to miss FA Cup final vs. Chelsea after red card

LONDON -- Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny will be banned for next weekend's FA Cup final against Chelsea after being sent off Sunday's Premier League game against Everton, while Gabriel Paulista is also likely to miss out through injury.

Koscielny was shown a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Enner Valencia in the 14th minute of Arsenal's 3-1 win, meaning the centre-back will be suspended for the FA Cup final at Wembley, a massive blow for the Gunners' hopes of ending the season with a trophy, while he will also miss the opening two league matches of next season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said the red card "was harsh, but we have to accept the decision."

Koscielny has been Arsenal's best defender all year and they've struggled without him at times this season, including in the two 5-1 losses against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The France international exited both those games in the second half, once with an injury and once after being sent off, with Arsenal level 1-1 in the first game and leading 1-0 in the second.

Koscielny had been a doubt for Sunday's Premier League finale after missing Tuesday's win over Sunderland with a calf problem, but was deemed fit enough to start.

Fellow centre-back Gabriel came off with a knee injury and Arsene Wenger said he was not optimistic that he would be able to recover in time.

"Gabriel overstretched his knee. He will have a scan tomorrow and we will see the damage," Wenger said. "It doesn't look too good, honestly, for Saturday."

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