Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be out for up to two weeks with a calf injury.

The 31-year-old was surprisingly absent from the squad for the 2-1 defeat to Everton last night, and Arteta confirmed after the game that the striker is still being assessed by the medical staff to determine the seriousness of the problem.

It means Aubameyang could return earlier than predicted but it does put his participation for the games against Manchester City and Chelsea over the festive period in serious jeopardy.

The Gunners’ only other fitness concern is Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian aggravated a thigh problem in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham earlier this month, and no timeframe has been given on when he will return to action.

There is some better news on the injury front, though. Gabriel Martinelli made his return to first-team action against Everton, coming on as a substitute with 20 minutes remaining, after having missed the last six months due to a knee injury.