Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal’s forward Viktor Gyokeres, who recently scored in the team’s 2-0 victory over Burnley, has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions League match against Slavia Prague due to a muscle injury. The 27-year-old was forced to leave the field at half-time during the match at Turf Moor and has since missed training sessions, raising concerns about his fitness for the crucial European fixture.
Mikel Arteta said: “No, he’s not available, he hasn’t trained today and we need to do some more tests and scans to understand the extent of the injury.” Arteta added, “Well obviously he was very disappointed after the match but this is part of football. If you expect a linear line always going up it’s not going to happen. For tomorrow we don’t have him.”
Gyokeres has been in impressive form, scoring three goals in his last three appearances, including a brace against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. His performance against Burnley was particularly noteworthy, as he netted his sixth goal for the club since joining from Sporting CP in July.
Arteta continued: “I think that was one of the best games he has played. I think overall his performance was exceptional. I think he was in a really good moment. It’s a shame that he felt something. We had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle. So we’ll have to wait and see.”
The absence of Gyokeres is a setback for Arsenal, who are currently leading the Premier League table, six points clear of Manchester City, with Liverpool and Bournemouth trailing in third and fourth positions, respectively. Despite the injury blow, Arteta remains confident about the team’s title challenge.
Arteta remarked: “Not so much a different feeling. I think the last couple of years, we have been challenging for the title as well. I think we are on the right track.”
As Arsenal prepares for their Champions League encounter without Gyokeres, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum both in Europe and domestically. The team will be hoping for a swift recovery for the forward, whose contributions have been pivotal in their recent success.
About The Author
