Arsenal fans, brace yourselves: a key player is out, and the situation is more complex than it seems. Mikel Arteta has delivered some disappointing news regarding the upcoming Champions League clash against Slavia Prague. Star striker Viktor Gyökeres will be unavailable. But here's where it gets controversial...
Arteta confirmed Gyökeres's absence, stating, "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." This suggests the injury might sideline him for more than just this single match.
Adding to the team's woes, although Martin Zubimendi is fit, he's suspended and won't be playing either. Zubimendi picked up his second booking of the season in Arsenal's previous European match.
Arteta expressed concern about Gyökeres's injury, saying it's unusual for him to have muscular issues. He explained, "He was feeling something, and that’s obviously never a good sign, especially for a player that is very, very explosive." Arteta added that the team is "digging in a little bit more to understand where we are in terms of the injury."
This is the part most people miss: Gyökeres's absence is particularly impactful because he was in top form. Arteta acknowledged, "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 substituted at halftime during Saturday’s victory over Burnley due to discomfort. Zubimendi, who also came off early in that game, has returned to training but is still suspended.
Furthermore, Kepa Arrizabalaga was also absent from training, and it remains unclear if this is a precautionary measure. If he's unavailable, Tommy Setford is expected to be the backup goalkeeper, with Alexei Rojas likely to be the third choice.
The injury list is extensive: Arsenal is also dealing with several longer-term injuries, particularly in attack. Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Martin Ødegaard are all out with knee problems, while Gabriel Martinelli has a groin issue. Arteta noted, “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.”
Here's an interesting twist: These absences could provide opportunities for young players to step up. Andre Harriman-Annous, Charles Sagoe Jr., and Max Dowman have all been involved in training. Harriman-Annous even started in the League Cup win against Brighton.
Despite the challenges, Arsenal travels to Prague in strong form, having won all three of their Champions League matches, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Atlético Madrid. They face a Slavia side that hasn't won in the main competition since 2007.
Arteta will be forced to make changes, but with confidence high and Arsenal's defense solid, the focus will be on maintaining their unbeaten start and securing automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
What do you think, Arsenal fans? How will Gyökeres's absence impact the team's performance? Do you believe the young players will rise to the occasion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
