Arsenal look set to be without five first team stars for the visit of Chelsea this weekend.
The Gunners are in need of a response having lost 2-0 to Premier League new boys Brentford on Friday night.
Mikel Arteta saw attacking duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette both ruled out hours before kick-off.
The pair look set to be absent once more as they join Thomas Partey, Gabriel and Eddie Nketiah on the list of players unavailable.
The timing of the blow is particularly challenging as Arsenal look to start strongly after what was a disappointing season last time out.
Defeat in west London will have done little to lift the mood and the arrival of Thomas Tuchel's title hopefuls is far from ideal.
In Aubameyang and Lacazette's absence Folarin Balogun led the line with Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli either side.
Partey picked up a pre-season injury in a friendly against Chelsea but new signing Sambi Lokonga has been a bright spark thus far.
Gabriel's absence at the back meant Pablo Mari partnered new boy Ben White at the heart of defence.
Arteta admitted that his side struggled in defence but conceded his greatest concern was their lack of potency in the final third.
With Aubameyang and Lacazette again set to be sidelined with Spanish coach must find answers to some difficult questions ahead of another London derby.
"I'm disappointed. It's not the way we wanted to start the season," he told Sky Sports on Friday night.
"We didn't start well, conceding a goal in an isolated incident. We didn't cope well with the second balls or long balls. And that's all they needed to create problems for us. Then we conceded from a long throw.
"The biggest worry was our threat in front goal. The amount of times we got around the box and got in great situations but it wasn't enough threat or shots on target.
"If you don't do that in the Premier League then you won't win.
"I don't want excuses - we missed players but I don't like to hide.
"We were not good enough to beat them. We did not do the basics. We have started in a disappointing way but we will review and speak with cool heads and try to put it right as soon as possible."
Arsenal saw off Chelsea at the Emirates last term, but the odds are against them repeating the feat.
The blues begun their season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
