Romelu Lukaku won’t face action over alleged violent conduct with an opposing player, meaning the Belgian will likely face Arsenal next month.

The Manchester United striker could have received retrospective punishment for an incident involving Brighton defender Gaetan Bong. According to talkSPORT, the FA reviewed footage of Lukaku kicking out at Bong twice, something that referee Neil Swarbrick missed.

A three-match suspension would have ruled him out of United’s visit to the Emirates Stadium next Saturday. However, Arsenal are now likely to face Lukaku, with the no action to be taken over the incident, reports BBC Sport.

That may not be good news for Arsenal, however, as Lukaku’s record against the Gunners isn’t that impressive. In 12 games versus Arsene Wenger’s side, he’s only scored three times.

He was playing for West Brom and Everton in those games, however, two teams that Arsenal enjoy playing against. That record against us may improve as he plays for a better side.

Had Lukaku been absent, that could have meant Zlatan Ibrahimovic started instead. The Swede has three goals in seven games against Arsenal. Two of those goals came for Barcelona in a 2-2 draw back in 2009.

Alternatively, Marcus Rashford could have lead the line. The young forward announced himself in English football by scoring twice against us in a 3-2 win in 2016.

In the end, Lukaku’s absence may not have been much of a boost at all. Arsenal will have to deal with the tricky centre-forward either way now.