Arsenal have been handed a shocking verdict on Viktor Gyokeres, who was injured after scoring in the 2-0 win over Burnley, while a former Gunner has made a return to the club
07:43, 05 Nov 2025
Mikel Arteta has plenty to smile about at Arsenal but there are injury concerns for the Gunners
It’s been a whirlwind few days at Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta seeing his squad fluctuate following Viktor Gyokeres’ injury.
The Swedish striker was injured after netting in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Burnley. That win saw Arsenal finish the weekend six points clear at the top of table. But an extended spell on the sidelines for the Gunners’ big summer signing would be a significant blow in their bid to win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years next May.
In other news, Leandro Trossard has shared some insight into what’s been driving his impressive season and the team-mate who’s played a part in his success, after he decided not to leave North London in August.
After a 3-0 win away against Slavia Prague in the Champions League, here’s all the latest news from the Emirates.
Shocking Gyokeres verdict
Viktor Gyokeres picked up an injury against Burnley at the weekend(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Despite breaking his Premier League goal drought at Turf Moor, Gyokeres hasn’t quite caught the eye of a certain Liverpool legend as much as Benjamin Sesko has.
Both strikers were on Arsenal’s radar and made the move to England in the summer – but have faced their own challenges since then.
Gyokeres, 27, upped his tally to four goals in 10 Premier League matches with his opener against Burnley. However, Manchester United’s Sesko, despite only scoring twice in 10 league games under Ruben Amorim, has left a stronger impression on Didi Hamann, who also mentioned Newcastle newcomer Nick Woltemade in his comparison, reports the Mirror.
“I think the club that will be creating the most chances will be Arsenal, and so that probably puts Gyokeres ahead of the other two, Woltemade and Sesko,” the 2005 Champions League-winner told footballblog.co.uk. “Of the three players, I think that Sesko and Woltemade have impressed me more than Gyokeres.
Benjamin Sesko has got going at Manchester United after a slow start(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
“If Woltemade is the regular penalty taker for Newcastle from now until the end of the season, then I think I will put Woltemade down as the player to score the most out of those three this season.
“I think Sesko found it hard at first because it’s a different game in England compared to Germany. But he’s a very talented player. He was always very confident and he’s got a lot of belief in his ability. But then when you come to a club where things are not great, it’s difficult for a striker.”
Former Stuttgart sensation Woltemade has undeniably enjoyed the smoothest adjustment, netting four times in seven Premier League outings for Newcastle.
Whilst countless Arsenal supporters will probably be baffled by Hamann’s assessment of their target, the pressure falls on Gyokeres to prove his judgement wrong.
Oxlade-Chamberlain reunites with Arteta
Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrate winning the Community Shield with Arsenal in 2015
The Gunners have welcomed back a recognisable figure to training this week in an unexpected reunion.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will certainly be familiar to Arteta, given the duo previously shared a changing room during their stint under Wenger. Following his release by Besiktas at the conclusion of last season, Oxlade-Chamberlain remains without a club and is available as a free agent.
Nevertheless, he has returned to his former employers seeking an opportunity to regain match sharpness after his recent break from football. That’s after he left Arsenal for Liverpool in a £35m move in 2017 – still the club’s record sale – and went on to win the Premier League and Champions League at Anfield.
The 32-year-old, who was reportedly courted by Championship outfit Birmingham City during the summer, is believed to be working out mainly with the academy sides at London Colney as he builds up his fitness levels. Arteta was full of admiration for the player, hinting that the former England star’s presence could also benefit his current squad.
“Top. Top character,” declared the manager when questioned about Oxlade-Chamberlain’s request this week. “One of the best characters I’ve met in football. If we can help him and give him the space for him to get up to speed and have the capacity to find a club.
“It’s a joy, the boys will learn from it. I had the privilege to play with him, and if he is around, he will be a really good role model to have around the team.”
Trossard hails Calafiori chemistry
Leandro Trossard of Arsenal celebrates with team-mate Riccardo Calafiori(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal supporters will be even more delighted to have witnessed Trossard pen fresh terms during the summer following an impressive beginning to this campaign.
With injuries affecting the likes of Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, he has proven invaluable, whether starting matches or making an impact from the substitutes’ bench.
But the Belgian’s impressive return of three goals and three assists across 12 appearances this campaign hasn’t been achieved in isolation.
Trossard has praised Riccardo Calafiori for his crucial support along the left flank, with the pair forging an almost instinctive understanding on the pitch.
Calafiori has emerged as one of Arteta’s standout performers this term and earned recognition with a nomination for the Premier League’s Player of the Month award in August.
Trossard acknowledged his team-mate’s contribution with glowing praise this week.
When quizzed about whether he’d previously worked alongside a full-back like Italy international Calafiori, Trossard replied: “No, that’s Riccy, though. I think that’s one of his strengths as well. He pops up everywhere, in the pockets as a striker.
“He has scored some great goals already. So I think that his unpredictability can hurt teams as well, and I have a good relationship with him at the moment.
“So I know what he can do and where he can pop up in what positions. So sometimes I can play a ball blind to him, and I know he will be there.”
