Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that summer signing Viktor Gyökeres will miss Tuesday’s Champions League fixture away to Slavia Prague after suffering a muscular injury in Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Burnley. The Sweden international, who scored the opening goal at Turf Moor before being substituted at half-time, will undergo further medical examinations to determine the severity of the problem.
Although Arteta did not disclose the specific nature of the injury, he expressed significant worry over the timing and implications for a squad already hit by an injury crisis. “(Gyokeres) is definitely not available. He hasn’t trained today. We need to do some more tests and scans to understand the extent of the injury,” he told reporters. “I am concerned because he hasn’t had many muscular issues and he had to leave the pitch because he was feeling something.”
Gyökeres’ setback arrives just as the striker appeared to be rediscovering his rhythm, scoring three times in all competitions since the October international break, including a brace against Atletico Madrid. His absence leaves Arsenal with limited options in attack at a critical stage in both domestic and European competition.
Injury Crisis Deepens for Arsenal
The Swedish forward joins an extensive injury list that has increasingly challenged Arsenal’s depth and consistency. Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined, while Martin Zubimendi is unavailable through suspension. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also did not train and will miss the trip.
Arteta acknowledged that the absences have stretched the squad to breaking point. “We have seven players out. So I don’t know what depth we’re talking about now because we’re missing a lot of players, a lot of front players,” the manager lamented. “If we continue to do that every three days, we want respecting again.”
Arsenal’s forward line has endured a turbulent campaign, marked by interruptions in fitness and availability. Gyökeres’ injury further complicates Arteta’s selection puzzle at a time when every result in the Champions League group stage remains crucial. The Spaniard now faces the challenge of maintaining momentum with limited options and a congested schedule ahead.
Fixture Congestion Sparks Fresh Debate
Saturday’s victory over Burnley reignited frustration surrounding the Premier League schedule, as Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace was confirmed for December 23 — just two days after both clubs are scheduled to play league fixtures. Arteta previously criticized the schedule when Arsenal advanced from the fourth round, citing welfare concerns for both players and supporters.
“Hopefully they will move the Premier League match because to play this date doesn’t make any sense,” Arteta stressed. The Gunners are currently set to face Everton on December 21, prompting calls for league authorities to reconsider the timetable. “I think as I said earlier, I’m sure we will apply the principles of first of all the players, then the supporters.”
Though Arteta declined to confirm whether the club had already lodged a rescheduling request, he remained confident that fairness would be upheld. The manager’s comments underscore a growing tension between competitive demands and player safety — a topic attracting increasing scrutiny from managers across top-flight football.
Players Share Concerns Over Demanding Schedule
Belgian forward Leandro Trossard, who has managed to stay fit amid Arsenal’s injury troubles, echoed his manager’s sentiments about the challenging schedule. Trossard has started each of Arsenal’s last six Premier League fixtures, assuming a critical role in the forward rotation due to the squad’s ongoing disruptions.
“Ideally this would not be the case,” the winger said when asked about playing two matches in three days over the festive period. “We already have a tough schedule with a lot of games and if you play two games in three days, recovery-wise and for fans, it’s not easy to travel.”
His comments highlight the broader issue facing players who must navigate a packed fixture list without sufficient recovery time. With the club preparing for its sixth match since the international break — and a seventh coming away to Sunderland on November 8 — concerns are mounting over the strain placed on squad fitness and performance standards.
Focus Turns to Slavia Prague Despite Setbacks
Despite the swelling injury list and scheduling grievances, Arsenal remain focused on securing a vital Champions League victory against Slavia Prague. The London side will need to rely on remaining fit personnel and tactical flexibility to navigate the contest, particularly in attack where options have become increasingly scarce.
Arteta is expected to turn to his most trusted available starters, alongside youth options if necessary, as he seeks to maintain Arsenal’s strong form in Europe after an encouraging restart following the international window. “We need to adjust and manage the situation,” he noted, emphasizing resilience as a theme amid adversity.
With the Premier League and cup competitions intensifying in the coming weeks, Arsenal’s ability to cope with mounting pressures — on the pitch and in the medical room — will shape the remainder of their calendar year. For now, the mission is clear: secure points in Prague, steady the health of the squad, and continue to push for clarity on fixture fairness heading into a demanding winter run.
