Albert Sambi Lokonga was a rather surprising omission from the Arsenal squad against Wolves on Saturday night.
The midfielder - who wasn't selected by Belgium manager Roberto Martinez for the 2022 Qatar World Cup either - had been included in every single Premier League matchday squad this season up until the Gunners' trip to Molineux, starting twice and coming off the bench in the other four.
However, when the Arsenal team news was confirmed an hour before kick-off against Wolves, there was no sign of Lokonga in the starting line-up or on the substitutes bench as Mikel Arteta named the same side that secured a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge six days prior.
READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves as Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel impress with Martin Odegaard key
Usually when a first-team player is absent, the north London outfit - via social media or their official website - will disclose a reason especially if it's injury-related having done so, particularly with the likes of Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko at various points this season.
The fact there was no explanation for Lokonga being dropped from the matchday squad all but confirms he was fit and available for selection - although his involvement in Friday's training session before the Wolves game is up for debate as he was not spotted in any of the footage released by the club.
Furthermore, the midfielder has since been active on social media as he shared an Arsenal post of the players celebrating the 2-0 win over Wolves onto his Instagram Stories and, once again, there was no mention of an injury setback or even a worded message for that matter to explain the snub.
In reality, there's not a lot to read into the 23-year-old's absence as it was most likely a decision taken by Arteta when naming his travelling party, as in recent weeks the Spaniard has had the luxury of a near fully fit first-team at his disposal with injuries beginning to clear up.
Of the 24 senior players at his disposal, only Emile Smith Rowe was definitely ruled out as he's not due back in training until next month, whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu was doubtful with the muscular problem that has kept him out since the 1-0 win over FC Zurich in the Europa League earlier in the month.
As things turned out, the aforementioned pair as well as third-choice goalkeeper Karl Kein were left out and as Arteta was once again permitted to name a 20-man matchday squad, as per Premier League rules, for the trip to Molineux, it means he had to make a difficult decision on which other first team player to omit.
In the end, the Spaniard went for an extra attacking option on the bench by recalling £3m summer signing Marquinhos - who was in action for the U21s on the same day as the win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - thus leaving Lokonga as the unlucky fourth player to miss out against Wolves.
Interestingly, had the Belgian been included in the squad, he may have been chosen above Fabio Vieira to replace Granit Xhaka early in the first half as he has been playing in his favoured 'number 8' role of late following the return to fitness of Mohamed Elneny, although a recent performance prompted one Arsenal fan to propose a swap deal in the January transfer window.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal achieve first step for £160m Premier League incentive - but there's a Man City problem
Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard clear up confusing Bukayo Saka reaction after Arsenal goal
Awesome Odegaard, Vieira responds and Saliba's humanity - Arsenal winners and losers vs Wolves
What Martin Odegaard did after Arsenal goal as Gunners look to break Premier League curse
Gabriel Magalhaes 'saved Saliba' as Arsenal defender responds to Brazil World Cup announcement
