Viktor Gyökeres is a concern for Arsenal ahead of their Champions League match against Slavia Prague. The Swedish forward, a regular starter and scorer in the weekend win over Burnley, didn’t take part in Monday’s training session, according to Sky Sports. It was the team’s final practice before the European clash, which practically rules out Gyökeres from the squad. The absence is being described as a muscle issue, according to UEFA.
A doubt that changes the plan
Gyökeres has started 13 games since arriving from Sporting, scoring six goals across all competitions. When fit, he’s a guaranteed name in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven. Now, though, the coach will have to adjust his lineup on short notice. The game against Slavia carries weight, and the schedule is relentless — Arsenal return to Premier League action over the weekend.
It’s likely that Arteta won’t risk the forward, even if he feels better by matchday. The problem is that the manager doesn’t have a natural replacement for his position. The Swede’s absence forces Arsenal to once again improvise with Merino as the central striker. The rest of the expected lineup should be: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Nørgaard and Rice; Saka, Merino and Trossard.
A loss that’s hard to hide
Gyökeres’ absence hurts for more than one reason. He’s the player who gives Arsenal’s attack depth and movement, creates space, and drives the high press. Without a true center forward, the team will have to alter its attacking dynamics. Still, Merino has filled that role before, even last season, and performed reasonably well.
It also highlights how the Gunners are once again dealing with injuries and losing key players as the season unfolds. Slavia Prague tend to be tough opponents at home, and Arteta knows any slip-up could prove costly. The manager will look to players like Saka to carry the attacking load and keep Arsenal competitive in a crucial European week.