Injury blow for Arsenal! Viktor Gyokeres nowhere to be seen in training after early withdrawal vs Burnley as Gunners gear up for Slavia Prague clash

Arsenal’s preparations for their Champions League encounter with Slavia Praha suffered a blow as Gyokeres missed Monday’s training session at London Colney, as per Charles Watts. The Swedish striker, who opened the scoring for the Gunners with a composed finish in the 2-0 win at Burnley, was taken off at half-time after feeling discomfort in his leg. Arteta later confirmed that the forward had picked up a ‘muscular niggle’ and would undergo further assessment to determine the extent of the issue.

Speaking after the Burnley win, Arteta praised Gyokeres’ performance, saying: “I think that was one of the best games he has played. His performance was exceptional – his high press, his running in behind, the way he linked play, everything. It’s a shame that he felt something. We had to take him off because of a niggle, so we’ll have to wait and see.” With Gyokeres absent from training and Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus also sidelined, Arsenal’s attacking options are suddenly looking thin.

The absence of Gyokeres leaves Arteta facing a potential selection dilemma for the trip to Prague. Makeshift forward Mikel Merino, who replaced the Swede at Turf Moor, may again be asked to lead the line, while teenage striker Andre Harriman-Annous could be drafted into the squad. Kepa Arrizabalaga also missed training for undisclosed reasons, though Martin Zubimendi did participate but is suspended for the match after picking up three bookings in the group stage already.