Leeds striker Mark Viduka is poised to become the latest player from the club to be banned this season if found guilty of elbowing Arsenal's Martin Keown during Sunday's clash at Elland Road.

The news that the English Football Association's compliance department are to refer the 30th-minute incident to the video advisory panel will hardly comfort manager David O'Leary on a day when he entered hospital for minor tonsil and sinus surgery.

An FA spokesman said: "Following Sunday's game between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road, the FA can confirm an incident involving Mark Viduka of Leeds United and Martin Keown of Arsenal is to be investigated and the video of the match has been called for."

If the panel believe there is a case to answer, with a decision likely by the end of the week, Viduka will then be formally charged with violent conduct by the FA and summoned to a hearing, which have now become familiar territory for Leeds stars.

Just four days ago Alan Smith's four-game suspension was upheld by the panel, following his dismissal during the shock FA Cup third-round defeat at Cardiff when he elbowed Andy Legg.

In a fortnight's time, Lee Bowyer and Danny Mills face FA hearings into charges of misconduct, and if found guilty their respective suspensions could further undermine Leeds' bid for a top-four Premiership finish this season and with it a place in next season's Champions League.

Bowyer is accused of using foul and abusive language towards referee Jeff Winter following his sending-off for two bookable offences in the 2-1 victory at Highbury in August, while a year ago he is alleged to have elbowed Gary McAllister during the FA Cup fourth-round defeat at home to Liverpool.

A six-match suspension beckons for Bowyer, while Mills' potential ban could stretch to seven games, four for his recent red card at Newcastle when he kicked Craig Bellamy and three for also using foul and abusive language towards fourth official Andy D'Urso after he was shown two yellow cards in the game with the Gunners five months ago.

Now Australia international Viduka faces the possibility of joining the growing list of suspensions at Elland Road.

Olivier Dacourt, meanwhile, is due to return to action in the reserves on Thursday after nearly two months on the sidelines following surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder sustained during the win at Blackburn on December 9th.

Harry Kewell and Robbie Keane, named as substitutes on Sunday but unused as they began their comebacks from five-game lay-offs with back and ankle injuries respectively, could also figure in the reserve game with Manchester City to ensure they are fully fit for the league clash at Chelsea on January 30th.

• Chief executive David Taylor last night admitted the Scottish Football Association have put together their best financial package ever to persuade Berti Vogts to take over as the next Scotland manager.

The German is still in charge of the Kuwait side, who are currently involved in the Gulf Cup. But negotiations to bring him to Scotland are at an advanced stage and the SFA admit they have broken the bank in order to install the best man for the job.