BUKAYO SAKA was spotted without crutches in the Emirates, but Arsenal still suffered an injury.
The Gunners star has been out of action since late December and has missed the last five league matches.
But there were positive signs before the match against Aston Villa, when Saka walked around without crutches before the game.
The England international will be out of action until at least March, with manager Mikel Arteta urging him to go on HOLIDAY.
Arteta said: “He has to. He is obliged to go! With his girlfriend or his family, he can choose. Or alone.
“But he needs to take a few days off and freshen up. He can still do many things during his rehabilitation because it is the perfect phase.
“I think it will really make him better. He has been [around the squad] every day.
“There comes a time, especially when we're away for a few days, when he has to do that.
“That is also very important for him. We have to take good care of our players.”
Arteta is also without centre-back William Saliba after pulling his hamstring during Arsenal's 2-1 win over Tottenham last week.
The Gunners posted on social media: “William Saliba misses a little.”
Jurrien Timber replaced Saliba as partner next to Gabriel in defense.
Arsenal went into the match seven points behind leaders Liverpool, who defeated Brentford late on.
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