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.
Speaking after the squad’s arrival in Prague, Arteta said: “No, he’s definitely not available. He hasn’t trained today and we need to do some more tests and scans in the next few days to understand the extent of the injury,” which implies he is likely to miss more than just this match.
Asked if it was likely to be a short-term problem, Arteta said, “No, I am concerned because he hasn’t had many muscular issues, and he had to leave the pitch, and he was feeling something, and that’s obviously never a good sign, especially for a player that is very, very explosive.
“We are digging in a little bit more to understand where we are in terms of the injury and we’ll announce the moment we know more.
“Obviously, he was very disappointed after the match with what he felt, but this is part of football.
“In the end, if you expect a linear line, everything going up, it’s not going to happen, and if he’s done something, he’s going to have to deal with it, we’ll help him to do that.
“He was in a really good moment, in a really good form, it’s very important for the team, but for tomorrow we don’t have him, so that’s it.”
Gyökeres was withdrawn at half-time during Saturday’s win over Burnley after feeling discomfort, while Zubimendi, who also came off early at Turf Moor, returned to full training on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.
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.
About having so many injuries, Arteta said, “I think it’s very unusual to have that many players in the front line with issues. We have done so [coped] in a brilliant way.”
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.