Mikel Merino is a long-term absentee for Arsenal after surgery on a rare foot injury, while youngster Max Dowman played 45 minutes for the Under-21s against Ipswich in the Premier League 2 on Friday night as he steps up his return from an ankle ligament problem.

Martin Zubimendi is under pressure despite Arsenal beating Chelsea at the weekend. The midfielder is now at risk of being dropped by Mikel Arteta.

Now, he could face an awkward meeting with Sporting in Europe if both clubs progress past their round of 16 opponents. Arsenal face Leverkusen while the Liga Portugal side will take on high-flying Bodo-Glimt in a two-legged tie.

Arteta revealed that Calafiori will be fit for Wednesday’s trip to Molineux, leaving the treatment room stockpiled with midfielders Mikel Merino, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz and Max Dowman.

Mikel Arteta’s wife, Lorena Bernal, has urged Arsenal supporters not to place the entire weight of the Premier League title race on her husband’s shoulders. With the Gunners firmly in the championship conversation,

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was tough. Chelsea are a great team they have amazing players. It was a nice goal to watch and happy we came out with three points.

Mikel Arteta has called for “love” even when Arsenal lose or draw. The Premier League leaders have drawn successive Premier League matches against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and have won just two of their last seven league games.

Mikel Arteta insists Eberechi Eze needs no extra encouragement as the former Crystal Palace playmaker finds his feet at Arsenal. In November, Eze became the first player to score a Premier League hat-trick in a north London derby, and he was instrumental in the Gunners’ 4-1 dismantling of Tottenham last Sunday, scoring twice.