Thomas Partey will be out for a 'few more games' after Mikel Arteta revealed his injury is worse than first feared.
The Ghana midfielder has been missing from the squad since sustaining a thigh problem during Arsenal's defeat to Aston Villa a fortnight ago.
Partey didn't travel with the Ghana squad for their international fixtures over the last two weeks, and had hoped to be back ready for the game against Leeds at Elland Road last week.
However, Arteta said after that match that Partey has been suffering with a "significant" injury, but has done well over the last couple of weeks and made progress - though the club are taking precautions about when he will return.
"He had an injury very early in the game, he wanted to continue the second half," Arteta told reporters.
"We knew it was a significant injury. He's done very well and he's working very hard, he wants to be available.
"Hopefully we can get him back soon but it's an area we need to be careful and we need to be protective with the player."
He confirmed in his post-match press conference following the defeat to Wolves at Emirates Stadium that Partey's injury will see him miss the 'next few games'.
"I don't think he will be with us in the next few games," said the Arsenal manager.
It means Partey will miss the north London derby against Tottenham next Sunday as well as the likelihood of matches with Burnley, Southampton and Everton over the congested December fixture list.
