Mikel Merino has been ruled out of Arsenal's clash with Leeds due to a foot injury.
The Spaniard has played in 21 of Arsenal's 23 Premier League matches so far, with his versatility making him a reliable option for Mikel Arteta in midfield and up front.
Merino did not train with Arsenal on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League match with Kairat, a match he missed anyway due to suspension.
However, Merino remains on the sidelines for the Gunners' trip to Elland Road with what has now been confirmed as a foot problem.
“He’s got an issue in his foot," Arteta said ahead of the match.
"It’s a bone that’s giving him some pain, and we have some exams, we need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out.”
Even with Merino unavailable, Christian Norgaard has still not been named in the matchday squad at Elland Road.
Myles Lewis-Skelly also misses out, with the return to fitness of the likes of Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori meaning Arteta has to leave first-team players out of his Premier League squads.
Victory over Leeds would extend Arsenal's advantage at the top to seven points, at least until Manchester City and Aston Villa play on Sunday.
However, should they drop points for a fourth consecutive Premier League match, the scrutiny on the Gunners in the title race would become even more intense, with the possibility that they end the weekend just a single point clear.
