Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Viktor Gyökeres will miss Tuesday’s Champions League clash away to Slavia Prague, while Martin Zubimendi is fit but suspended.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Viktor Gyoekeres of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Jurrien Timber during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on November 01, 2025 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Speaking after the squad’s arrival in Prague, Arteta said: “No, he’s not available. He hasn’t trained today and we need to do some more tests and scans to understand the extent of the injury,” which implies he is likely to miss more than just this match.
Arteta added, “Well, obviously he was very disappointed after the match but this is part of football. If you expect a linear line always going up, it’s not going to happen. For tomorrow, we don’t have him.”
Gyökeres was withdrawn at half-time during Saturday’s win over Burnley after feeling discomfort, while Zubimendi, who also came off early at Turf Moor, returned to full training on Monday but is unavailable due to suspension.
The midfielder collected his second booking of the campaign in Arsenal’s last European outing.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal wipes his face with his shirt during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on October 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
There was also no sign of Kepa Arrizabalaga in training, and it remains unclear whether his absence is precautionary. If he fails to make the game, Tommy Setford is expected to serve as back-up, with Alexei Rojas likely to be named as the third goalkeeper.
Arteta’s squad remains stretched by longer-term injuries, particularly in attack.
Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Martin Ødegaard are all sidelined with knee problems, while Gabriel Martinelli has a groin problem. The Brazilian, who has scored in each of Arsenal’s three European games so far this season, continues to be monitored after picking up a groin issue against Crystal Palace.
The absences could open the door for youngsters to make the bench, with Andre Harriman-Annous, Charles Sagoe Jr. and Max Dowman all involved in training ahead of the trip. Harriman-Annous started in the League Cup win over Brighton last week, along with Dowman, who continues to feature regularly in first-team sessions.
Despite the injuries, Arsenal travel to Prague in strong form, having won all three of their Champions League fixtures so far, including a 4-0 victory over Atlético Madrid last time out. They will face a Slavia side without a win in the main competition since 2007.
Arteta will be forced into changes, but with confidence high and Arsenal’s defence intact, Arsenal’s focus will be on extending their unbeaten start in the chase for automatic qualification for the knock-outs.
Related Topics