Granit Xhaka has not been included in Mikel Arteta's squad to face Chelsea because of an illness.
The Swiss international has been heavily-linked with a move to Hertha Berlin in the January transfer window after a turbulent few months at Arsenal.
In October he reacted to fans as he left the pitch to be substituted after he was booed during a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, an incident that saw him stripped of the captaincy by Unai Emery.
Mikel Arteta has spoken about his desire to keep the midfielder at the Emirates Stadium and football.london understand that the Gunners do not want to sell the 27-year-old unless a replacement can be found.
"I told him how much I like him and what I expect from him, how important he is for the team," the head coach said in his press conference ahead of facing Bournemouth on Boxing Day.
"I am here to help him, I want to feel him that we are right behind him. Not just myself but the whole club.
"If we can get the people in the right way as well, the fans with him, I think it will be helpful for the team, which is where it matters."
Xhaka joined Arsenal from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016.
He has so far played 150 games for the Gunners in his three-and-a-half seasons at the Emirates Stadium.
Signed to play deep-lying role in midfield for Arsene Wenger, the Swiss international formed a promising partnership last season alongside Lucas Torreira.
For both club and country he has always benefited from playing alongside a more mobile player capable of winning possession and protecting the defence to free Xhaka up to find space and play the ball.
That need for support has sometimes left him exposed at Arsenal when paired with players that boast a different set of skills, and he has become a divisive figure among some supporters.
Earlier in December his agent spoke out about wanting to leave north London for a fresh start in the Bundesliga, although a January exit is unlikely unless Arteta's side can find a replacement.
