Mikel Arteta says it has been “impossible” to get Mohamed Elneny up to full fitness.
The Arsenal midfielder has suffered with problems to both his thigh and calf this season, limiting him to only eight appearances across all competitions.
While Elneny would not be first choice even if fully fit, an injury worry surrounding Thomas Partey has made the midfield situation all the more concerning.
Partey was brought off at half-time during Friday’s FA Cup loss at Manchester City after taking a knock to the ribs.
Arteta has since confirmed the Ghana international is set for an MRI scan as Arsenal sweat over such a key player’s fitness.
Missing Elneny too could leave the Gunners with only Albert Sambi Lokonga to partner Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park, though the club remain in talks with Brighton over a potential move for Moises Caicedo.
On Friday evening, the Ecuador international publicly demanded to be allowed to leave the Amex Stadium hours after Arsenal had seen a £60m offer rejected.
Of Elneny, Arteta said: “Well, at the moment we’ve had the injury of Mo [Elneny] - it’s been impossible to get him fit. Sambi’s come in and I think he’s done well. That’s why we have players.
“It’s true that Thomas is a big influence. a big personality and an important player in our squad. In the second half, we didn’t have him.”
