Mikel Arteta Provides Injury Update on Viktor Gyokeres

Mikel Arteta concerned about Gyokeres injury ahead of Slavia Prague match

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expresses concern over Viktor Gyokeres' injury ahead of Champions League match against Slavia Prague.

“The last couple of years, we have been challenging for the title, we have the same mindset this season as well...”

Mikel Arteta expressed concern over Viktor Gyokeres' injury, which will keep the striker out of Arsenal's Champions League match against Slavia Prague on Tuesday. Gyokeres scored in Saturday's win over Burnley but was substituted in the second half due to a muscle issue.

The Swedish striker's return date is currently uncertain, and Arsenal's medical team will conduct further tests to determine the extent of the injury. Arteta admitted that he's worried about Gyokeres, given his importance to the team and the nature of the injury.

Gyokeres' absence will be a significant blow to Arsenal, who are looking to secure a 10th straight win in all competitions. The Gunners will need to rely on other players to step up in his absence, with Mikel Merino potentially starting in his place.

Defending as a unit. pic.twitter.com/pCYItBTkIB

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 3, 2025

Speaking about Gyokeres, he said: “He’s definitely not available and he hasn’t trained today. He hasn’t had any muscular injuries before. We need to do some tests and scans to understand the extent of the injury.

“I am concerned. He had to leave the pitch as he was feeling something, and that’s obviously not a good sign for a player that is very explosive.”

With Gyokeres out due to injury, Leandro Trossard is likely to start up front for Arsenal against Slavia Prague on Tuesday. The team's striking options are already limited due to the long-term absences of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli, making Trossard's role even more crucial.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Belgian remarked about playing up front: “It’s a big change, it also depends on the state of the game and what the manager wants me to do…

“The last couple of years, we have been challenging for the title, we have the same mindset this season as well. We want to win it and we know how hard that is, but I think that we are on the right track, and there is still a long way to go. But, we want to win every game, that’s our mindset.”

Arsenal's confidence will face a stern test against Slavia Prague, but their historical record against the Czech side is encouraging. The Gunners have won two and drawn two of their four previous meetings with Slavia, maintaining an unbeaten streak. Mikel Arteta's team has undergone significant changes since their last encounter, a factor acknowledged by Slavia coach Jindrich Trpisovsky ahead of the match.

Arteta is well aware that his team won't have an easy ride against Slavia Prague. Despite their impressive form, the Gunners will need to be at their best to overcome a determined Slavia side. Arsenal's ability to adapt to the challenge and come out on top will be a telling sign of their progress this season.

Arteta explained: “The team has been competing well in all the competitions, and tomorrow we know that we have a really tough match here. They are unbeaten at home all season, they are a team that are used to playing together, they have a clear philosophy, they create a massive atmosphere, and we know it’s going to be a tough match.”

The trip to Prague also gives Mikel Arteta an opportunity to catch up with a familiar face - Tomas Rosicky, a former Arsenal player who is now a director at Sparta Prague, although it's worth noting the match is against Slavia Prague.

Raise levels. pic.twitter.com/2uW4xFi9nX

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 3, 2025

Speaking about a potential meet-up, Arteta added: “I will try to see him. We had a great time together (at Arsenal) and I always say that Tomas is one of my favourite players who I played with.

“If there is a chance tomorrow and he is available, we will see each other, give each other a hug and talk a little bit about football.”

Martin Zubimendi's suspension means he'll miss the match against Slavia Prague. As a result, Christian Norgaard could get his first start since joining Arsenal in the summer, providing an opportunity for him to make an impact in the team.