Viktor Gyokeres will not be part of Arsenal’s squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against Slavia Prague on Tuesday, and Mikel Arteta suggests that the situation could potentially worsen.
MORE — Wolves part ways with Vitor Pereira
“He’s definitely not available,” Arteta confirmed. “He didn’t train today, and we will conduct further tests and scans in the upcoming days to assess the injury’s severity. However, he won’t be participating in this game.”
According to a report from The Athletic, Arsenal is optimistic that Gyokeres will be fit in time for the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur following the international break, which means he will miss the trip to Sunderland this Saturday.
The forward had been in excellent form, scoring twice against Atletico Madrid on October 21 and netting his fourth Premier League goal of the season last Saturday at Burnley before being forced off at halftime due to injury.
Here’s the latest from Mikel Arteta regarding Gyokeres’ injury situation.
Viktor Gyokeres Injury Update — Mikel Arteta’s Latest Remarks
Arteta remains hopeful that Gyokeres will not face a lengthy absence but noted that the forward typically does not sit out matches for minor issues.
Throughout his career, Gyokeres has shown impressive durability, missing just one game in each of the last two seasons at Sporting Lisbon and participating in 51 out of 52 league matches for Coventry City in the two previous seasons.
“I am concerned because he hasn’t had many muscular problems before, and he had to leave the pitch,” Arteta stated. “He felt something, and that’s never a good sign, especially for a player with his explosive style. We are investigating further to fully understand the nature of the injury and will provide updates as soon as we have more information.”
“If he does have something to manage, we will support him. He was in a great rhythm and playing very well, and he’s crucial for the team. But for tomorrow’s match, we’ll have to manage without him.”
With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz still sidelined, Mikel Merino or Leandro Trossard could be utilized as center forward or in a ‘false nine’ role in the upcoming fixtures.