Arsenal are facing another selection dilemma, with Viktor Gyokeres the latest to join a list of injury concerns.
The Gunners have suffered from fitness issues over the past year, particularly up front, with Mikel Arteta forced into making some bold decisions.
An ACL injury for Gabriel Jesus has been compounded by Kai Havertz’s recent injury, which has seen him sidelined for most of the season.
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That has put more pressure on Viktor Gyokeres to hit the ground running, as he eases into life at Arsenal.
A muscular injury for Gyokeres in the win over Burnley has left Arteta facing a familiar problem, but the solution may not be Mikel Merino this time.
Mikel Merino gestures to Viktor Gyokeres during an Arsenal match
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Declan Rice suggests he could be a number nine after Arsenal goal
Mikel Merino seems to be the obvious replacement for Viktor Gyokeres if the striker is facing some time out injured.
The midfielder spent plenty of time as a centre forward last season, but there may well be another option in Declan Rice.
It would be something of a surprise, given the England international is best as a central player who can carry the ball from deep.
However, he himself has hinted at his ability as a number nine when speaking after Arsenal’s win over Burnley.
Rice told Premier League Productions: “It’s important we keep scoring goals. Two goals are perfect for us. If you look at the goal as a whole, we’re defending a long throw from our own half.
“Big Gabi [Gabriel Magalhaes] wins the ball, and I keep running with the ball. I was like a traditional number nine!”
It was Rice’s second goal of the season, something he will be looking to build on in the coming weeks of the season.
If Arsenal are to catch their opposition off guard, they could well deploy the midfielder as an option up front.
While it seems unlikely, Rice’s own comments may well put the idea in mind for Arteta.
Declan Rice celebrates after Burnley vs Arsenal
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Arsenal’s potential Viktor Gyokeres replacements after injury
Rice certainly isn’t the first name that would come to mind if Arsenal are looking for replacements against Slavia Prague or Sunderland in the coming week.
Merino appears to be the most likely, as he came off the bench at half-time against Burnley as the Gyokeres replacement.
Beyond him, there is Gabriel Martinelli, who has been clinical so far this season, but there are doubts over his fitness after missing the last two games.
Leandro Trossard has been deployed there, as well as Ethan Nwaneri in the past, hinting at some other options for the manager.
Arsenal will be desperate for Gyokeres to be fit and ready to play, but Arteta is now well-versed in finding solutions for these issues.