Hakim Ziyech's return from injury has been delayed.
The Chelsea midfielder, who has enjoyed an impressive start to life in west London following his £33.4m summer transfer from Ajax, has been ruled out of the Boxing Day clash against Arsenal.
Ziyech still has not fully recovered from the hamstring injury sustained in the 3-1 win over Leeds United at the beginning of the month which caused him to limp off in the first-half.
He did return to training ahead of the 3-0 win over West Ham United, but wasn't risked on Monday night.
And as revealed by Blues head coach Frank Lampard, Ziyech won't be available for the weekend's trip to the Emirates Stadium, or the visit of Aston Villa 48 hours later.
"No he won't be fit for Arsenal," Lampard confirmed in his pre-match press conference.
"He had a knee injury at the start of the season and he now has a muscle injury. You have to wait to recover.
"It's not a long-term concern and we hope to have him back in the next week or so.
"And hopefully he can offer what he did before because he was offering great things.
"We missed that in a way but that's football, that's the squad and it's what happens when players are playing at high level every two or three days."
Following confirmation of the injury blow, Ziyech has been active on social media.
Although, it hasn't been to discuss a possible return date, but rather to highlight his special bond with fellow summer signing Edouard Mendy.
Taking to Instagram, Ziyech uploaded a video of himself and Mendy enjoying themselves - presumably in the canteen at the club's Cobham's training base.
Whilst Ziyech will play no part against the Gunners, Lampard is hopeful of better news regarding Ben Chilwell and Reece James.
The latter missed the 3-0 win over West Ham United with a knee injury, while the former limped off early with a twisted right ankle.
Both England international are doubtful for the game at the Emirates Stadium
