Wenger headache over Bergkamp and Reyes

Arsenal are facing the threat of losing two key players for three matches following incidents in their FA Cup fifth round clash with Sheffield United at Highbury.

Striker Dennis Bergkamp was shown a red card by referee Neale Barry after clashing with United defender Danny Cullip in the 35th minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw. Barry later said the Dutch striker had been dismissed for pushing Cullip in the chest.

Arsenal have launched an appeal and are hoping that a directive to referees at the start of the season will help their cause. A club source said: "We know referees were told that a hand in the face was a red card but a hand on the chest was only a yellow."

But even if Bergkamp's card is downgraded to yellow, Jose Reyes may well face a three match ban. His gloved hand was seen to throw two punches in the flare-up. His actions were missed by Barry but the Football Association look certain to investigate the matter and if they do, Reyes could be banned for the replay at Bramall Lane next Tuesday and the Premiership games against Southampton and Portsmouth . Bergkamp will miss the same games if his appeal is dismissed.

The incidents have provided manager Arsene Wenger with an unwelcome distraction ahead of tomorrow's Champions League tie with Bayern Munich in Germany.

Already without Sol Campbell and Gilberto Silva because of injury and Bergkamp because of his fear of flying, he could also be missing Edu (hamstring) and Ashley Cole, who is still getting over flu.