Ghana star Thomas Partey will be out for some weeks due to a thigh injury, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
“It’s a little bit ambiguous but he has a significant injury and we’ll have to keep assessing him. He will be out for some weeks.
“It could be [he plays again this season] but it could not be the case because it’s an area where he had a previous injury,” Arteta said.
Partey will be sent to see a specialist after scans confirmed he had damaged his thigh.
The Ghana international was forced off late in the 3-0 defeat over Crystal Palace, bringing an abrupt end to what had been an impressive run of form.
Partey faces a race against time to return and play a meaningful role in Arsenal's push for a berth in the top four, which appears set to go down to the wire after Tottenham leapfrogged them on goal difference at the weekend.
"Our No. 5 was substituted during Monday night’s game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park after aggravating his right thigh," an Arsenal statement read.
"Thomas has since received further assessments, and a subsequent scan has shown muscle damage to his right thigh.
"We will continue to assess Thomas in the coming weeks, during which time he will also receive further specialist consultations.
"Everyone will be working hard to get Thomas back on the pitch as soon as possible."
Partey has played 24 league games for Arsenal, scoring two goals and providing one assist despite missing the first three games of the season because of injury.