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Has Viktor Gyokeres suffered a long-term injury?
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Viktor Gyokeres has been ruled out of Arsenal’s Champions League game tonight after sustaining an injury in his last match for the club. The Swedish striker, who moved to the Gunners during the summer, has been gradually adapting to his role as the team’s leading forward, and the club had hoped he would deliver a strong run of form. However, his latest injury now raises concerns over his availability and the extent of the damage.

Gyokeres scored in his previous game against Burnley but was forced to leave the pitch at halftime due to discomfort. While the exact severity of the injury remains unclear, Mikel Arteta has expressed concern over the situation, noting that the striker’s muscular issues are unusual for a player of his profile. Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely, but at present, Gyokeres will be unavailable for tonight’s fixture.

Squad Challenges for Arsenal

Arsenal’s squad depth has been tested this season, particularly in the striking department. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus also sidelined due to injury, the team’s options in attack are limited. Mikel Merino remains the only fully fit striker for the upcoming match, while Gabriel Martinelli can be utilised in a supporting role, but does not fully replace Gyokeres’ presence in the team. The Swedish forward’s absence highlights the importance of having a reliable and experienced striker in the squad, as he has demonstrated both finishing ability and explosiveness in previous appearances.

Arteta’s Comments on Gyokeres’ Condition

Mikel Arteta spoke about Gyokeres’ current status, emphasising the concern surrounding the injury. As cited by the Metro, he said: “I am concerned because he hasn’t had many muscular issues. He had to leave the pitch and he was feeling something, that’s obviously never a good sign especially for a player that is very, very explosive. We’ll announce the moment we know more.”

Arteta’s remarks underline both the unexpected nature of the setback and the importance of Gyokeres to Arsenal’s attacking strategy. The club will be hoping for a swift recovery so that the striker can return to full fitness and resume his role as a key contributor. For now, the focus remains on assessing the injury and managing the squad effectively to cope with the absence of one of their most accomplished forwards.

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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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