Arsenal Will Be Without Key Striker in Champions League Against Slavia Prague

Gyokeres was substituted in Arsenal’s 2–0 victory over Burnley on Saturday. The 27-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 14th minute but later came off due to a muscle injury. He was replaced by Mikel Merino in the 46th minute.

Signed for £63.5 million in July, Gyokeres has scored six goals in 14 matches across all competitions. He did not train on Monday afternoon, and Arteta admitted that the Swedish talisman could miss significant time.

“I am concerned because he hasn’t had many muscular issues,” Arteta stated. “He had to leave the pitch because he was feeling something, which is never a good sign for a player that’s very explosive. We are digging to understand where we are in terms of the injury.”

Arsenal Have a Selection Headache Ahead of Tuesday’s Match

Gyokeres’ absence comes at a time when Arsenal is dealing with several injuries, and midfielder Martin Zubimendi is suspended for Tuesday due to yellow card accumulation.

Gabriel Martinelli hobbled off against Burnley. Martin Odegaard suffered a medial collateral ligament injury. Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz are both dealing with knee injuries. Gabriel Jesus has been sidelined since early January after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

“We have seven players out,” Arteta said. “I don’t know what depth are we talking about now? We are missing a lot of players – a lot of players. A lot of front players.”

So far, Arsenal have persevered through injuries to remain in the top position in the Premier League while achieving maximum points in the Champions League.

The Gunners have won all three Champions League matches heading into Tuesday. Given the pile-up of injuries, their trip to Fortuna Arena could be a little tricky.