Koscielny’s final KO as appeal fails

Arsenal face a potential defensive crisis in Saturday’s FA Cup Final against Chelsea.

Laurent Koscielny is to serve a three-match suspension after his appeal against his sending-off in Sunday’s Premier League win over Everton was dismissed by the Football Association.

The 31-year-old received a straight red card for his reckless firsthalf challenge on Enner Valencia and will therefore miss out on the Wembley date against Chelsea and the first two domestic fixtures of next season.

Koscielny’s confirmed absence is a further disappointment for manager Arsene Wenger, who also has fitness concerns over fellow defenders Gabriel Paulista and Shkodran Mustafi.

Germany international Mustafi is recovering from a suspected concussion, but Saturday’s game may come too soon for him, while Gabriel left Sunday’s game on a stretcher and is also a big doubt.

Sheffield Wednesday head coach Carlos Carvalhal has signed a new contract, despite a second successive Championship play-off failure. Carvalhal, 51, whose contract was due to expire this summer, had been linked with Norwich and Porto.

Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani has completed his takeover of Leeds, ending Massimo Cellino’s three-year reign.

Hearts have signed Scotland defender Christophe Berra, 32, following his release by Ipswich Town.