Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is fearful of Aaron Ramsey missing the typically hectic festive period.
The Wales international is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem, and the Gunners manager is concerned that the midfielder may be absent for the upcoming games that start with a trip to Liverpool on Sunday.
Wenger told reporters: "I am scared he will miss the Christmas period. He should be back at the end of December, [or] beginning of January.
"[The Christmas period] is shock for new players because they're used to a break. Many of them suffer physically.
"It's a very important period and we play four games. Can we have a good run over Christmas? We need to get over the hill in January and then we look to the end [of the season] and how you come out of the Christmas period is very important."
Arsenal are currently sixth in the Premier League.