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.
The three to four week prognosis is viewed as the best case scenario, and whether he can return in that timeframe will depend on how he recovers.
Takehiro Tomiyasu had limped off during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Wolves on Saturday
Tomiyasu’s injury is a blow to Mikel Arteta ahead of a run of matches over the festive period
The injury further stretches Arsenal’s defence with Ben White’s fitness needing to be managed
The Asia Cup begins on January 12 and it remains to be seen whether he plays for Arsenal before then.
The news arrives as a blow to the Gunners who are stretched in defence, particularly with Ben White needing to be managed after recovering from Mikel Arteta called a ‘muscular’ problem.
Arsenal opened up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Tuesday night after securing a dramatic late 4-3 win over Luton.
Liverpool and Man City will attempt to respond when they travel to Sheffield United and Aston Villa respectively on Wednesday.
The Gunners will travel to Villa Park on Saturday to Unai Emery’s impressive Aston Villa side.
