Arsenal have confirmed Rob Holding will be sidelined for around three weeks after picking up a hamstring strain in the warm-up for last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The English defender was replaced in the starting XI by David Luiz at the very last minute, as the Gunners went on to suffer a narrow 1-0 loss at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s side.
Mikel Arteta’s side get their Europa League campaign started on Thursday night with a trip to Rapid Vienna, however, they will be without Dani Ceballos and Willian, who have both been ruled out with injury.
Spaniard Ceballos has suffered bruising on his ankle, while winger Willian is struggling with a slight calf issue. The pair will also be assessed ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Leicester City on Sunday.
There’s positive news on Shkodran Mustafi, who has been out of action since picking up a hamstring injury in last season’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Man City back in July.
The German is back in full training and will be available for selection on Thursday night.
Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari and Gabriel Martinelli are getting closer to returning from long-term injuries.
Mari is also due to return to group training in 10 days, but 19-year-old winger Martinelli is not expected to return before the end of the year.
Mesut Ozil, Sokratis and William Saliba are ineligible to play against Austrian side Rapid as they have not been registered in Arsenal’s Europa League squad.
