Mikel Arteta has revealed how long Arsenal are set to be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gunners' captain missed his side's 2-1 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park through injury.
The club revealed via social media before the game that a tight calf was what kept the Gabon striker from being able to lead his side on Saturday afternoon.
And now Mikel Arteta has provided more of a timescale on how long Arsenal are set to be without their joint top scorer.
"Yes, we want him as quick as possible he has a small strain," said the Spaniard in his post-match press conference.
"We need a few days I don’t know if it’s a week or two weeks. It will depend how the injury evolves."
Aubameyang has struggled in front of goal for much of this season, managing to hit the back of the net just four times in all competitions. His strike on Wednesday against Southampton was his first at the Emirates since July 26.
However, the news will still be a devastating blow for Arsenal whose entire squad have found goals hard to come by this season.
The Gunners have managed just 12 goals in 14 Premier League matches, with Alexandre Lacazette managing just three in the league, and Eddie Nketiah getting just the one.
It is unclear exactly how long Aubameyang will be out for. He is almost certain that he will miss his side's Carabao Cup tie against Manchester City on Tuesday, although it's unlikely he would have played anyway.
Mikel Arteta will be much more concerned by the prospect that he could be unavailable for the visit of Chelsea on Boxing Day.
If the injury does end up being closer to two weeks, then the Gabon striker could miss games against Brighton and West Brom in the Premier League over the festive period.
Arsenal will be hoping to have their captain back as soon as possible after their defeat to Everton left them in 15th place with just 14 points from 14 matches.
