Mikel Arteta is yet to take charge of Arsenal, with his first game coming against Bournemouth on Boxing Day, but he has already been handed a major decision to make.
Gabriel Martinelli has been a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the Gunners so far, scoring three goals in the Europa League as well as a single effort in the Premier League.
His performances have not gone unnoticed as the 18-year-old has been called up to the Brazil side aiming to qualify for next summer's Olympic tournament in Tokyo.
Martinelli has been called up for the nation's U23 side for the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic qualifying tournament which will take place in Colombia between January 18 and February 9.
That leaves Arteta facing a big decision, as the Gunners may be left without their South American starlet for a crucial period in the season - with the fixture list set to ramp up in the New Year with the FA Cup campaign kicking off.
As the tournament falls outside of the usual international window, FIFA regulations mean that Arsenal do not have to release Martinelli for the tournament and Brazil will make contact with the Gunners to ask for their blessing.
Arsenal's fixtures during this period include Premier League tests against Chelsea, Burnley, Sheffield United and Newcastle, as well as the FA Cup fourth round - should the Gunners advance past Leeds United.
If Arteta does approve Martinelli's involvement in the tournament, he could return to North London drained as there is the chance he could play seven matches over the course of just three weeks.
