Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to miss at least Arsenal's next five matches after being called up to the Gabon side ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to the Athletic, he has already reported for international duty, meaning he is unavailable for the New Year's Day clash against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
The tournament in Cameroon will get underway on January 9 and even counting for just group stage matches, Aubameyang will miss at least five Gunners fixtures.
Along with the City clash there is also the two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, the FA Cup third round tie against Nottingham Forest and even the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.