Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained the absence of Reiss Nelson.
Nelson has failed to play for the club since December 3.
It has been a stop-start campaign for the 21-year-old, who has scored once in eight outings for the Gunners this term.
The Arsenal manager said: "It is probably my mistake not to clarify the situation and what is happening.
"He has not been 100 per cent fit and that is the reason why he has been out and not featuring in the squad.
"He had a muscular issue. He has been in and out of training, but not been 100 per cent.
"It is a shame because I felt he was getting into his performance levels, he was starting to have some really good games and to build that momentum. This little injury has stepped him back a little bit, but this week has been much better."
