I think a basketball-style “foul out” system for accumulated fouls would be interesting. Let’s say a player has committed his third foul in a half - five minutes on the touch line. Some players make a living by knowing how to foul consistently without them being cardable offenses. This would cut down on that behavior and probably be less subjective since it would be cumulative.

Best case scenario for full contact after an ACL surgery is 6 months. Even with modern medicine and training, I don’t see Arsenal taking a risk on his return this season.