It has now been confirmed that Nigeria international Alex Iwobi will not be available for selection when Arsenal trade tackles with the La Liga champions.
Iwobi played a crucial role for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations as the Super Eagles ended the tournament with a third place play-off win over Tunisia.
That bronze medal game was played on July 17 and it is understood that Arsenal have given the midfielder and other stars who had been on international duty three weeks off.
The winger has since missed the Gunners' fine friendly wins over Bayern Munich, Fiorentina and Angers and also the narrow defeats to Real Madrid and Lyon.
He will also now miss Arsenal's next game against Barcelona.
Iwobi is reportedly not expected back at London Colney until next week.
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