Arsenal are set to be without key defender Takehiro Tomiyasu for the vital festive fixtures due to a calf strain.
The Japan star limped off during Arsenal’s win over Wolves on Saturday and has undergone a series of tests this week.
And it is understood that Tomiyasu will miss a minimum of three to four weeks, which would rule him out for the busy Christmas period.
Arsenal have some key games on the horizon with a clash against Aston Villa on Saturday, before key Premier League ties against Brighton, Liverpool, West Ham and Fulham.