Mikel Arteta has something of an injury crisis on his hands.
Arsenal take on Chelsea on Sunday knowing they can close the gap to the top four to five points with a win over the stuttering Blues.
But they will have to do so with an injury-hit squad.
Arteta got his reign off to a satisfactory start with a 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth on Boxing Day, and his first big test is upon him as he welcomes Chelsea to north London for his first home game in charge.
Calum Chambers will return to the squad following his one match suspension for five bookings, but that is the only piece of good news for Arteta ahead of the match.
The new head coach could be without as many as seven first team regulars for what is a big match in the context of the rest of the season.
Three first teamers are definitely out of the clash, with Kieran Tierney, Sokratis and Sead Kolasinac all out of action.
Tierney has been out of action after suffering a dislocated shoulder and is not expected back until March. Kolasinac has suffered ankle ligament damage and will return to full training in January, while Sokratis suffered concussion against Bournemouth and will miss the Chelsea game.
There are doubts over a further four players too, though.
Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring), Rob Holding (knee), Dani Ceballos (hamstring) and Hector Bellerin (hamstring) are all doubts for the clash, with Arsenal confirming that they are being assessed ahead of the match against the Blues.
