Viktor Gyokeres will miss Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic tonight. The former Sporting striker sustained a muscle injury during Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Burnley, shortly after netting Arsenal’s opening goal. He was withdrawn at half-time.
“No he’s not available,” Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference. “He hasn’t trained today and we need to do some more tests and scans to understand the extent of the injury. I am concerned, because he hasn’t had many muscular issues and he had to leave the pitch [on Saturday].” The Gunners are also managing other fitness concerns, with Martin Zubimendi substituted at Burnley – though he was always set to miss the Prague fixture due to suspension after collecting two yellow cards.
“He asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see,” Arteta said about the midfielder following the match.
Gabriel Martinelli remains sidelined with the problem he picked up before the trip to Burnley. No timeframe has been provided for his return, with Arteta confirming that additional tests are required to assess the severity of the injury.
As for captain Martin Odegaard, the European fixture has arrived too soon as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
However, the Gunners boss is optimistic about having him, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz – all nursing knee problems – back before the international break.
If everything goes according to plan, the trio could return for the fixture against Sunderland on Saturday (November 8). Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in early January, remains without a confirmed return date.
Arteta previously commented: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well,” adding: “They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.”