West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui will serve a touchline ban against Arsenal on Saturday evening.

The Hammers boss was handed the suspension after receiving his third yellow card of the season during the 2-0 win over Newcastle.

Lopetegui protested referee Craig Pawson’s decision not to give a foul to his team midway through the first half at St James’ Park.

His actions were reported by the fourth official and he was subsequently booked, meaning he will have to take a seat in the stands for the London derby this weekend.

Lopetegui reacted to the yellow card after the final whistle

When asked about the ban following the victory over the Magpies, Lopetegui expressed his disappointment and he acknowledged that his team would have to carry out his instructions without him:

“I am not happy, but more importantly is the players will be on the pitch. A win is always important. It shows we can compete and trust in ourselves.”

Lopetegui picked up his first booking during the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, with his second coming just before the international break in the 0-0 draw against Everton.

West Ham’s victory has eased the pressure on the manager

If the Irons had lost to Newcastle and Lopetegui was banned from the touchline for the Arsenal fixture, there would have been plenty of calls for the 58-year-old to be sacked.

However, considering the manner of the win on Monday night, it’s unlikely that Lopetegui will even be fired if West Ham do lose at home to the Gunners.

His absence will, of course, not help his team’s cause. It will be a tough game against a resurgent opponent who won convincingly against in-form Nottingham Forest last time out in the league.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here