Mikel Arteta - Arsenal
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As Arsenal gear up for their UEFA Champions League clash against Slavia Prague on Tuesday evening at the Fortuna Arena, Mikel Arteta’s side is grappling with a series of injury setbacks that could impact their performance in this crucial league phase fixture.
With kick-off set for 5:45 PM GMT, the Gunners aim to secure vital points in Europe, but they’ll have to do so without several star players. However, there’s optimism brewing at the Emirates, as a trio of key absentees are eyeing returns after the upcoming international break.
The most pressing concerns revolve around recent knocks sustained in Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Burnley on Saturday. Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been a revelation since his summer arrival, was forced off with a muscular issue and missed Monday’s training session.
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Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Gyokeres is unavailable for the trip to Prague, describing it as a precautionary measure while awaiting further scans. Similarly, midfielder Martin Zubimendi, another new signing, is sidelined—combining a suspension with a minor knock from the same game, ruling him out for this midweek encounter.
Adding to the challenges, Arsenal remain without captain Martin Odegaard, winger Noni Madueke, and forward Kai Havertz—all nursing knee injuries. Odegaard has been absent since early October, with his creative influence sorely missed in midfield. Madueke, who joined from Chelsea in a £52 million deal during the summer transfer window, has been out since late September, while Havertz’s issue dates back to the season’s opening weeks, even requiring surgery.
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Arteta has provided encouraging updates, indicating all three are progressing well and are expected to return to action following the November international break, potentially in time for the North London derby against Tottenham on November 23.
This timeline aligns with the break, which follows Arsenal’s weekend fixture against Sunderland and runs through mid-November, offering a much-needed recovery window.
The potential return of Odegaard, Madueke, and Havertz represents a huge boost for Arsenal’s campaign. Odegaard’s vision and leadership, combined with Madueke’s pace on the flanks and Havertz’s versatility up front, could reinvigorate the squad at a pivotal juncture.
With the Gunners chasing silverware on multiple fronts, their availability post-break could prove decisive in the Premier League title race and Champions League progression.
Despite the absences, Arteta has options. Players like Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice are fit and ready to step up, while young talents from the academy might get a chance to shine in Prague. Arsenal’s depth will be tested, but the club’s medical team remains confident in managing the injury list effectively.
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