Viktor Gyokeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Viktor Gyokeres was not substituted due to injury during Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night.
The Swedish striker, who joined the Gunners from Sporting CP in a £64 million deal this summer, was involved in a heavy clash of heads with centre-back Gabriel in the first half at San Mamés. Gyokeres required medical attention and continued with a bandage after sustaining a cut to the back of his head.
Despite completing over an hour, the forward was withdrawn in the 65th minute for Leandro Trossard. The Belgian made an instant impact, combining with Gabriel Martinelli to break the deadlock before sealing the win with Arsenal’s second goal late on.
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Speaking after the match, Arteta explained the decision to replace Gyokeres was tactical rather than medical.
Viktor Gyokeres injury
Viktor Gyokeres sustained a head injury against Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League (Image credit: Getty Images)
“It was because we wanted to change certain things,” Arteta told Viaplay. “He’s played a lot of minutes as well, and my feeling was we needed fresh legs. They had very clear references when we were in possession, and Leo brings something very different, as does Martinelli. The game was opening up, they had a really high line, and we wanted to exploit that.”
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Arteta also praised Gyokeres’ early contributions since joining the club.“Very good. Personally, he’s an exceptional character, and as a player he brings another level to what we’ve had, a lot of threat.”
Asked about the condition of both Gyokeres and Mikel Merino, who also suffered a clash of heads during the match, Arteta reassured supporters:
“I think they are good. I haven’t spoken to them but I think they’re all fine.”
Arsenal will now turn their attention back to the Premier League with a crucial clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
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