Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an update on his squad’s fitness ahead of their Champions League clash with Slavia Prague.
The Gunners are looking to make it four wins on the bounce in Europe and ten consecutive victories in all competitions when travelling to the Czech Republic on Tuesday night.
Slavia Prague won’t make it easy, though, having gone unbeaten in home matches since April this year.
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As it stands, there won’t be a fully fit Arsenal squad to pick from either, as several stars are absent, while Martin Zubimendi is suspended for the tie.
It means Mikel Arteta will have to find some solutions, as he gave an update on Viktor Gyokeres’ condition.
Mikel Arteta speaks with Viktor Gyokeres during an Arsenal training session
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta discusses Viktor Gyokeres’ injury and fitness before Slavia Prague vs Arsenal
Arsenal are looking light in the centre-forward position, with Viktor Gyokeres’ injury against Burnley coming as the latest concern for the side.
The Swedish international had to be substituted at half-time against the Clarets, with Mikel Merino taking his place.
Gyokeres wasn’t spotted in Arsenal training before their European trip, leaving further concerns over his availability.
Arteta spoke out on the situation in his press conference, as he 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.”
The match seemingly comes too early for Gabriel Martinelli, while Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus will miss out.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was also missing from training before the match, with his availability currently unclear.
Viktor Gyokeres looks on during Arsenal vs West Ham
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Viktor Gyokeres’ injury record in his career
Viktor Gyokeres has had a relatively good injury record through his career, picking up just two injuries so far.
They have, however, all come in the past season or so, a trend Arsenal will hope to stop in the coming weeks and months.
Season Injury Days out Games missed
2024/25 Thigh 10 2
2024/25 Knee 57 2
Viktor Gyokeres’ injury record in his career.
The latest muscular concern could add another row to that list of injuries.
However, with a big game against Sunderland around the corner and an international break, there will be hope of a return soon.
Arsenal currently have a lack of strikers in his absence, with Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard primed as the ideal candidates to replace him.