Nicolas Pepe is holding talks with Mikel Arteta today, but he will be part of the Arsenal squad travelling to Norway for Thursday’s Europa League clash.

The Times report that Mikel Arteta and Nicolas Pepe are holding talks today after his red card at the weekend. Arsenal are unlikely to fine the player, but they clearly haven’t put the issue completely to bed just yet.

Pepe posted on Instagram to apologise the day after the game, writing: “Yesterday I have let my team down at a crucial time of the game and there [are] no excuses for my behaviour.

“I am deeply sorry and would like to apologise to the fans, my teammates, my coach, and everyone else at the club.”

The 25-year-old will miss out on Arsenal’s next three league games through suspension, but there’s no suggestion of an additional internal ban. In fact, The Times’ report suggests Pepe is joining the squad travelling to Norway today to face Molde.

That only makes sense, considering Pepe’s league suspension and Willian’s injury at the weekend. Arsenal would only be hurting themselves leaving Pepe out and risking someone else who could rest up for the next league game instead.

That’s the one upside to Pepe’s suspension – Arsenal have a midweek game in the Europa League every Thursday between now and the end of the three-match ban. So he’ll still get game time and can positively contribute to the team to make amends.