Nacho Monreal could miss four matches with a back problem, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Monreal has been ruled out of Thursday’s Premier League game against Manchester City and Sunday’s match at Brighton.
And Wenger believes the Gunners defender could also be sidelined for the Europa League round-of-16 away leg against AC Milan and perhaps the game at home to Watford on 11 March.
Wenger said: “He is out for two games – this weekend and Sunday, certainly.
“He might be out for two more – Milan and maybe even one more. He has an inflamed back, It’s a disk problem.”
Monreal went off midway through the first half of Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the final of the Carabao Cup.
His team’s dismal performance at Wembley means Wenger has faced more questions about his future ahead of the league game against City, who outplayed them at the weekend.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Thursday’s match, Wenger said: “My position is the last worry I have. My focus is to get the team ready for the game.
“I’m here for 21 years. I turned the whole world down to respect my contract. So I’m just amazed that I have always to answer the same question.”