Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explained the absence of William Saliba for their Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City.
The arrival from Saint Etienne is yet to make his first team debut for the Gunners.
Arteta said after the 4-1 defeat: "He cannot be involved because he is not in the squad.
"We made that decision with him and we'll see what we're going to do in January."
On sending Saliba away on-loan, Arteta added: "We are talking about it, yes."