ARSENAL could be without the influential Nacho Monreal against Albion at the Amex.

The Spanish left-back was forced off 26 minutes into Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

Monreal, 32 yesterday, left the pitch holding his back, after earlier escaping a booking for a blatant dive inside the City penalty area.

He has scored five goals for Arsenal this season, including the early opener in Albion’s 2-0 defeat at the Emirates in October.

The former Malaga defender has also been responsible for ten assists.

Bosnian international Saed Kolasinac took Monreal’s place against City.

Arsene Wenger’s line-up at the Amex on Sunday (1.30pm) will be governed by the Gunners’ Premier League rematch with champions-elect City at the Emirates on Thursday night.

Albion are likely to be unchanged in the quest for back-to-back wins for the first time in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, the under-23s stretched their unbeaten run to seven games against Exeter last night with a last-gasp equaliser at the Lancing training complex.

Norwegian winger Henrik Bjordal levelled in the fourth minute of stoppage time for Simon Rusk’s in-form youngsters with a cross-shot to rescue a 1-1 draw in the Premier League Cup.

Midfielder Jack Sparkes, 17, put the visitors ahead in the 61st minute, firing home from close range following a corner.