There is never a great time to pick up an injury, but with the World Cup just around the corner, it's perhaps the biggest concern for every single player with hopes of competing in Qatar.
Of course, there has been a major change with regard to the scheduling for the latest edition of football's biggest tournament as instead of it's usual June-July slot, it will get underway on November 20. This is due to intense heat in the host nation around their summertime.
And in recent weeks, national team managers have begun to announce provisional squads which will then be finalised - containing a maximum of 26 players - early next month, setting up an intriguing and somewhat stressful few weeks for those hoping to be involved.
READ MORE: Arsenal loan ace Folarin Balogun is one step closer to reaching goal after Lionel Messi response
In terms of Arsenal's representation at the winter World Cup, injuries aside, it's safe to assume that Matt Turner, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka will all be on the plane to Qatar with USA, Japan, Ghana, England and Switzerland. respectively.
Furthermore, one would expect Aaron Ramsdale to be one of three goalkeeping options for England, William Saliba to be selected by France and Gabriel Jesus, who was a surprise omission from the Brazil squad in the last international break, to earn a recall, despite his barren run in front of goal.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli could also be in Qatar with Brazil, whilst Ben White could force his way into Gareth Southgate's plans - just like he did at Euro 2020 - amid injuries to Reece James, John Stones and Kyle Walker, not to mention Trent Alexander-Arnold's poor form this season.
But there could be World Cup heartbreak in store for forgotten Arsenal defender Omar Rekik. The 20-year-old hasn't enjoyed the best of loan spells at Sparta Rotterdam thus far, playing just 17 minutes for the Dutch side, and it would appear things have taken a turn for the worst.
As per transfermarkt, the defender is currently out injured with a muscle injury that has sidelined him for the last two games and there's no timescale for his return to action. With the World Cup just weeks away from getting started, Rekik may face a race against time to prove his fitness to Tunisia coach Jalel Kadri.
Taking to social media, as seen in the post above, Rekik broke his silence on the matter by issuing a seven-word message vowing to overcome this injury setback: "Tough times don't last, tough people do," he wrote on his Instagram Stories.
Despite not yet making a breakthrough at Arsenal following his transfer in the 2021 January transfer window, Rekik has won three senior caps for Tunisia and has already represented his country at one major international tournament - featuring twice at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year.
Whether he will get the opportunity to earn more caps for Tunisia on football's biggest stage next month remains to be seen as Kadri is due to name his squad very soon ahead of their Group D games against Denmark, Australia and reigning world hhampions France.
READ NEXT:
Inside Charlie Patino's fantastic start to life at Blackpool as Arsenal contract decision looms
Why Gabriel Jesus and William Saliba could miss Arsenal's key London Derby clash against Chelsea
Arsenal Premier League fixtures before the World Cup compared to Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea
Andy Murray shares funny Roger Federer message on Granit Xhaka with huge praise for Arsenal star
Three Arsenal players Unai Emery may sign at Aston Villa including ambitious Kieran Tierney move
