Santi Cazorla was given permission to be left off Arsenal's team photo for the season - to attend a doctor's appointment in Spain.
The midfielder, who has not played since October last year, in nearing the final stages of his recovery following surgery on an ankle injury.
Manager Arsene Wenger has backed Cazorla to return to action for the start of 2018.
And to aid his recovery, he was allowed to head back to Spain to see his doctor for an appointment.
Cazorla's regular spot in the team photo was squashed in between Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker, meaning the bottom left row were able to shuffle up for this year's picture.
Speaking last week, Wenger revealed that Cazorla is back on the training pitch and has completed light training sessions.
"He is having his first run today (Thursday). The flexibility of his ankle is good. His mobility is good," he said.
"Now it is about getting back to full fitness without having any setbacks so it is very difficult to predict when he will be available again.
"It won't be before Christmas, that's why I didn't involve him in the Europa League squad but I hope after Christmas he will be available.
"But it looks positive."