Granit Xhaka has dropped out of the Arsenal squad to take on Chelsea as Hertha Berlin target a move for the Swiss international.
It is understood that Xhaka is ill and has not trained for two days. However that will do little to cool speculation over his future.
Xhaka wants to leave the club this month and despite Mikel Arteta's preference to keep the 27-year-old until the end of the season it appears he could be set to depart imminently. In his place comes France midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
The only other change to Mikel Arteta's side from the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth sees Calum Chambers return from suspension to partner David Luiz.
Sokratis has been ruled out with concussion whilst Sead Kolasinac (ankle) and Kieran Tierney (shoulder) are long-term absentees.
Xhaka did not train with the first team squad at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday after his agent confirmed the Swiss midfielder's desire to join Hertha Berlin.
Nicolas Pepe remains confined to the bench with Reiss Nelson starting on the right wing.
Tyreece John-Jules, Emile Smith Rowe and Joe Willock are the youngsters on the bench.
Arsenal XI: Leno; Maitland-Niles, Chambers, Luiz, Saka; Torreira, Guendouzi; Nelson, Ozil, Aubameyang; Lacazette
