Sokratis was left out of the Arsenal squad at the weekend as a precaution and has not suffered any sort of setback according to reports that emerged this weekend.

Football.London ‘understands’ that the Greek defender was ‘simply not risked’ against the Hornets after picking up a dead leg against Everton as he tried to save Arsenal from Shkodran Mustafi’s latest mis-timed lunge.

Although he missed the Carabao Cup game against Brentford midweek, he returned to full training on Thursday. Arsenal, however, were happy with what Rob Holding had shown as he stepped in for the 30-year-old and were able to give Sokratis more time to fully recover.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal is substituted for Rob Holding of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on September 23, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal is substituted for Rob Holding of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on September 23, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Until his substitution against the Toffees, Sokratis was, perhaps surprisingly, the only Arsenal player to play every Premier League minute under Unai Emery this season.

With Laurent Koscielny still some weeks away from a full return, his experience has been desperately needed alongside the rash and impulsive Mustafi.