Arsenal avoided major Jesus and Saliba problem in 5-0 Forest win

Arsenal avoided losing Gabriel Jesus and William Saliba for next weekend’s match against London rivals Chelsea after the duo managed to avoid picking up yellow cards in the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Both players have been booked four times over the course of the season and would face a one-match ban if they picked up one more – something they will now not have to serve in the important fixture at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal have enjoyed a magnificent start to the Premier League campaign, topping the division after 12 matches have been played. Both Saliba and Jesus have been integral to this success. The Frenchman has been a transformative presence within the backline, helping the team to keep a much better defensive record while most of the Gunners’ best attacking play has come through the former Manchester City star.  There had been fears that the duo could end up missing next weekend’s match against Chelsea after picking up four bookings each over the course of the season, with five coming with the punishment of a one-match suspension. Had either player have seen yellow against Forest on Sunday they would have been forced to watch the important fixture from the sidelines. However, the duo were on their best behaviour against the Premier League new boys and stayed out of the referee’s notebook. As a result, they will now be available for the game at Stamford Bridge next Sunday. JUST IN: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explains ongoing Kieran Tierney snub Arsenal have avoided losing Gabriel Jesus and William Saliba in next weekend’s match against Chelsea (Image: GETTY)Despite this, they are not yet completely out of danger of receiving a match ban as the five-card limit remains until the 19-game mark, meaning the pair will be left walking a tightrope for the next seven matches to avoid their participation being curtailed. One player whose involvement against the Blues is under doubt is Buyako Saka after the winger limped off injured during the first half of the match against Forest. The knock has raised fears over the England international’s participation at the World Cup, with no timescale yet placed upon his return. Reiss Nelson came on to replace 21-year-old and took advantage of his first taste of Premier League action this season, scoring a brace and setting up another. After the match, Nelson was keen to send his best wishes to his teammate Saka, hoping that he would be back in the side very soon. DON’T MISSErik ten Hag delivers emphatic message with Pep Guardiola ‘worried’Christian Pulisic tipped for Newcastle transfer after position changeLionel Messi among free agents Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea can sign Arsenal stars Gabriel and William Saliba have been excellent this season (Image: GETTY)”It is a huge shame for Arsenal and the nation and we will go and check now and see how he is is,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘He’s a great boy and it’s great to have him in the team.’Saliba and Jesus will be pleased to be involved next weekend but must continue to stay out of trouble if they are to be consistently available for Arsenal over the next seven matches. WIN A FREE ENGLAND SHIRT FOR THE WORLD CUP! Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here