Coquelin suspended for first leg against old side Arsenal after Valencia yellow card

FRANCIS COQUELIN has been suspended for the first leg Europa League clash against former club Arsenal.

The French midfielder, 27, will not feature at the Emirates on May 2 after he picked up a yellow card during Valencia's 2-0 win over Villarreal in the quarter-final.

1

Coquelin made 160 appearances in all competitions for the North London club between 2008 and 2018.

During his time with the Premier League giants, he was shipped out on loan to Lorient, Freiburg and Charlton.

And after struggling to cement his spot in the first-team, he joined Valencia in January 2018 for £12million.

He has been a huge hit for the La Liga side, but they will be without him for the first-leg clash next month.

Alexandre Lacazette had admitted that he was looking forward to playing against his fellow Frenchman.

Speaking about the reunion, the Arsenal striker said: "Yes, we will play against Francis Coquelin too, who will be against us, so I can't wait to play against him."

'AMAZING IRONY'

And a number of fans on Twitter were furious after Coquelin was booked in the semi-final after a controversial handball decision.

One said: "Unfortunately, Francis Coquelin will miss the first leg in the EL semi-finals at the Emirates, which is a shame. Would love for him to make a London reunion."

Another added: "Amazing irony that Coquelin will miss the trip to Emirates through suspension."

Coquelin has remained as a fan favourite and the midfielder has spoken openly about his appreciation for the club.

latest arsenal news

HOT ROD

Arsenal 'open talks over Real Madrid star as they join Chelsea in transfer race'

TAKING THE MICK?

Icon says Ange will have had better season than Arteta if Spurs win cup

GUNNING FOR IT

Fan bombarded with X-rated Spurs chant after wearing Arsenal kit in Bilbao

ARSENAL LATEST

Gunners get 'Sane boost', Lookman interest, Prem clubs 'in Rodrygo battle'

Speaking to the , he said: "Arsenal is always going to be in my DNA.

"I can't deny it. It wasn't just the football or the players, it was where I grew as a person and where I became a man. It will always be a big part of me and I'll never forget."

Emery's side will be up against former Arsenal midfielder Gabriel Paulista, who left to join Valencia in 2017.