Mikel Arteta has confirmed Takehiro Tomiyasu faces a spell on the sidelines in a significant injury blow for Arsenal.
The full-back has been in impressive form in recent weeks, but missed the Gunners' dramatic win over Luton with a calf issue that he picked up last weekend against Wolves.
Tomiyasu limped off in the closing stages of that match against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium, having once again get the nod over Ben White to start at right-back.
Arteta described that as a "precaution", but Tomiyasu was ruled out of the trip to Kenilworth Road and, speaking after his side's victory, the Arsenal boss provided a downbeat response when asked for an update on the defender.
"We had a scan and it’s not good news," the Arsenal boss said.
"He’s got an injury in his calf and he’s going to be out for a while."
With Jurrien Timber still a long-term absentee, having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his Premier League debut in August, it leaves Arsenal short of full-back options heading into a typically busy festive period.
White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are likely to be the preferred pairings, with Jakub Kiwior filling in at left-back if required and Cedric now the most likely alternative on the right side of defence.
The Gunners have six matches before the end of the year, including a trip to Villa Park on Saturday and a high-profile clash at Anfield against title rivals Liverpool before Christmas.
