GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA is on course for a piece of Premier League history just three months after arriving at Manchester City.
The Italy No1 is just one booking away from becoming the first ever goalkeeper to be suspended for totting up five yellow cards.
That’s despite the fact he has played only TEN Prem matches since moving from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day this summer.
In Saturday’s 3-2 win over Leeds he was cautioned for dissent as his team lost their way during the second half.
That was the third time he has been booked for that offence during his short time in England – while there was also one for time-wasting.
So the 26-year-old will be walking a disciplinary tightrope at Fulham on Tuesday night – as well as in the five league games that follow.
After City’s game at Sunderland on New Year’s Day – their 19th of the season – the number of yellows needed to be given a ban moves to 10.
Asked about the possibility in Monday’s press conference, boss Pep Guardiola said: “It is what it is.”
Previously he has stated he will be more than happy for Donnarumma’s understudy – England’s James Trafford – to play if he does trigger a ban.
Trafford returned to the Etihad in the summer from Burnley for £31m.
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He began the season as No1 and has made six appearances but Donnurumma became first choice after arriving.
The Italian also caused a stir at the weekend as he went down for treatment – allowing Guardiola to dish out instructions to his team.
Lawmakers could reportedly bring in a new rule change after Daniel Farke’s suggested City “bent the rules”.
Outfield players are sent off the pitch for 30 seconds if they go down with a knock – but it is a rule that is not in force for goalkeepers as they cannot be forced to leave for treatment.
However, a move that may force teams to temporarily take out an outfield player if a goalkeeper goes down on the turf is being discussed reports the BBC.
They state that the tactic involving the man between the sticks was discussed at length and there was ‘support’ for the idea that clubs must nominate a player to go off for half a minute if the goalkeeper has treatment from medical staff.
Another idea on the table was banning players from approaching the touchline in such an instance with the outfield player suggestion ‘getting increasing support’.
