Ali Bernarbia: Suspended (AlexLivesey/GettyImages)

Benarbia was dismissed late on as City lost 2-1 against Arsenal at Highbury, shown his second yellow card after launching into a tirade against an assistant referee after a series of tight decisions had gone against the visitors.

It will leave the Maine Road outfit without one of their most influential players for the visit of Gerard Houllier's side as they look to consolidate their Premiership status under Keegan.

Benarbia has already assured himself hero status among the City faithful for his outstanding performances during last year's runaway First Division title victory.

Even Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been impressed by the 33-year-old, a legend in France, where he spent all his career until the move to Manchester 12 months ago.

'Perhaps people in this country do not know just how good Ali is,' said Wenger.

'Over the past decade he has been a fantastic player, one of the greatest passers France has ever seen.

'Every year he finished top of the accuracy and assist charts. He can hurt you from anywhere on the pitch.'

Unfortunately for City, he won't be hurting Liverpool later this month, although he will be available for Sunday's encounter with Blackburn.

Despite another encouraging performance in the capital last night, the Blues have still not managed an away point this season, putting more pressure on the need to win at home, where they have already overcome Newcastle and Everton.

Kevin Horlock is likely to return when Benarbia's suspension kicks on, although the Northern Ireland midfielder could be brought back even sooner if Keegan decides to modify his attacking approach.

Thrilling on the break during the opening period, City's defence could not hold out, even after Nicolas Anelka had levelled Sylvain Wiltord's opener against his former club. The defeat would have been worse if match-winner Thierry Henry had not been wrongly ruled offside as he ran onto Dennis Bergkamp's astute flick and smashing home what he thought was a third goal for the Gunners.

Keegan ignored that error as he launched his stinging attack.

'The players knew if they said something they would get sent off but I can understand why Ali did, ' he said.

'But I don't think the linesman even knew there was another team playing. I shall give him absolutely zero marks because that is exactly what I felt he was worth.'