Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been dealt two devastating injury blows ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium.
Left-back Kieran Tierney will require surgery on a knee injury and will not play again this season, while Thomas Partey came off with a thigh problem in the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday and is facing at least a few weeks of rehab.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf) has also been ruled out of this contest, so Arteta is facing a number of defensive dilemmas ahead of the visit of goal-shy Brighton, but Cedric Soares should continue at right-back nonetheless.
Granit Xhaka will surely not act as an emergency left-back while Partey is out injured, and Arteta may feel that Saturday's game will give Nuno Tavares the ideal chance to regain a measure of confidence after his horror showing on Monday night.
Albert Sambi Lokonga was one of Arsenal's bright sparks off the bench against Palace and ought to partner Xhaka in the middle while Partey sits out, and Martin Odegaard is unlikely to lose his place despite also having a night to forget last time out.
Gabriel Martinelli will expect to return to the first XI in place of Emile Smith Rowe, although there have been calls for the Brazilian starlet to spearhead the attack in place of Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman has failed to score from open play in the Premier League since December, but Arteta is unlikely to consider dropping his captain, while Nicolas Pepe will hope to return from illness in time for Saturday's game.
Arsenal possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Xhaka, Lokonga; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette
Ben Knapton
