Seven doubts for Arsenal ahead of Slavia Praha showdown after Gyokeres blow

Arsenal will be without striker Viktor Gyokeres as the Gunners look to book a place in the Champions League knockout stages with a win against Slavia Prague in Czechia

Viktor Gyokeres is set to miss Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Slavia Praha in Czechia.

The ex-Sporting Clube de Portugal forward picked up a muscle injury during Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Burnley, having to be substituted at half-time after netting the Gunners’ first goal. “No he’s not available,” Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference.

“He hasn’t trained today and we need to do some more tests and scans to understand the extent of the injury. I am concerned, because he hasn’t had many muscular issues and he had to leave the pitch [on Saturday].”

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Arsenal are also dealing with other injuries, with Martin Zubimendi being taken off at Burnley – although he was always going to miss the Prague match due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards.

“He asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see,” Arteta said about the midfielder after the game.

Gabriel Martinelli is still on the mend from the problem he encountered before the trip to Burnley. No timeframe has been given for his return, with Arteta confirming that further tests are needed to assess the extent of the injury.

As for skipper Martin Odegaard, the European match has come too soon as he continues to recover from a knee injury. However, the Gunners boss is hopeful of having him, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz – all nursing knee issues – back before the international break.

If everything goes according to plan, the trio could return for the match against Sunderland on Saturday (November 8).

Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in early January, remains sidelined with no confirmed date set for his comeback.

Arteta previously commented: “[The long-termers] are progressing really well,” adding: “They are starting to do certain activities.

“They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so.”

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