Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that defender Per Mertesacker will not be available for Saturday's away game against Newcastle United.
The Germany international did not feature on Monday night against Liverpool with regular centre-back Laurent Koscielny also missing because of injury.
The Frenchman will undergo a late fitness test on Saturday morning to determine if he's ready to face the Magpies.
"[Per] Mertesacker is still sick and we will know more about [Laurent] Koscielny today [on Thursday]," Wenger told reporters.
"He might have a test on his back today and I will certainly know more tomorrow morning. The less likely to be fit is Mertesacker.
"I would like them to be available but that's part of the season, you can't complain about that.
"Danny Welbeck is progressing well. He should be available, if all goes well, after the international break.
"Jack Wilshere is just behind Welbeck, maybe one week after the international break he will certainly come back into full training.
"I think we are ready to play 90 minutes but maybe it's normal as well that after two or three games, you are not completely at 100 per cent.
"That comes slowly. We have started late and as well some players, like Alexis, have come in on August 3 and are not completely there."
