Paul Scholes is set to miss Manchester United's top-of-the-table tussle with Arsenal on May 1 following his sending-off in the FA Cup semi-final.
Scholes was dismissed for a studs-first, thigh-high challenge on Pablo Zabaleta during the second half of Saturday evening's derby clash with Manchester City at Wembley as his side lost 1-0.
If violent conduct is confirmed as the reason for his sending-off when referee Mike Dean's report is received by the Football Association, it will condemn Scholes to a three-match suspension.
That would rule the 36-year-old out of Tuesday's trip to Newcastle, the Easter Saturday encounter with Everton at Old Trafford and that crucial trip to the Emirates Stadium to face United's closest title challengers.
Scholes' latest disciplinary transgression is a blow to United given the veteran midfielder had only just returned from a two-match ban for amassing 10 yellow cards.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson could offer no explanation after the game for a woeful tackle that left his team trying to overhaul City with only 10 men.
'We've seen over his career, Paul has had unbelievable moments,' said Ferguson. 'He is one of the greatest players this club has ever had. But he has his red mist moments - he caught the boy on his thigh.'
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