Declan Rice will miss Arsenal's clash against Aston Villa on Tuesday evening with a knee injury, the Daily Mail understands.
Rice hurt his knee in the 2-1 win against Brighton on Saturday although he was able to play on.
However, the 26-year-old midfielder is expected to be left out against Unai Emery's side to avoid any risk of aggravating his injury.
Medical staff had tried to prepare him for this game but he is now anticipated to be a short-term absence.
It is a major blow going into a clash which could, in extreme circumstances, see Mikel Arteta's side unseated at the top of the Premier League.