Mikel Arteta could be without a number of key players for Arsenal's crucial Europa League trip to Slavia Prague on Thursday.
The Gunners ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Sheffield United in the Premier League on Sunday despite having several stars sidelined, as well as losing Bukayo Saka due to injury during the match.
Saka was forced off after 69 minutes, with Arteta now sweating over the availability of his most-consistent performer this season.
Asked what the issue was with his midfielder, Arteta told Arsenal.com : “I don’t know. He had to come off. He had discomfort in his thigh and it’s the last thing that we need because we’re missing some big players at the moment and we don’t want to lose another one.
"Hopefully, it’s not that serious.”
Arsenal had gone to Bramall Lane without Martin Odegaard or Emile Smith Rowe, giving Saka a chance in the No.10 role, and Arteta is unsure if any of the trio will be involved against Prague this week.
Quizzed whether Odegaard and Smith Rowe will be fit to return, Arteta replied: "I don't know, I want to think yes but if I'm honest, I don't know."
Fortunately he should have his captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back in contention after a bout of flu kept him out of the clash with the Blades.
"I hope so yes," Arteta said, when analysing Aubameyang's chances of selection. "He was unwell [Saturday], he could not train, he could not be available [Sunday] but hopefully in the next day or two he will be feeling better and he will be available to get picked."
Sadly for Arsenal Arteta also confirmed the worse news that Kieran Tierney may not play again for the club this season after watching Grant Xhaka deputise in the left-back slot.
“Today he (Xhaka) had a really strong performance and he gives you another option," Arteta said. "Kieran is out, probably for the season so we need different options at that position and he can be one of those."
Defender David Luiz is also out of action after undergoing a minor procedure on his knee.
