Arteta Confirms Injury Blow: Viktor Gyökeres Ruled Out of Champions League Clash with Slavia Praha

Arsenal have been dealt a major setback ahead of their Champions League showdown with Slavia Praha, as Mikel Arteta confirmed that in-form striker Viktor Gyökeres will miss the game through injury.

Speaking to reporters, Arteta revealed that Gyökeres was left frustrated after feeling discomfort following Arsenal’s last outing, and further tests are needed to determine the extent of the problem.

“He was very disappointed after the match with what he felt, but this is part of football,” Arteta admitted. “If you expect a linear line, everything going up, it’s not going to happen.”

Since making his Arsenal debut, Gyökeres has quickly become one of the team’s key attacking weapons, using his strength, relentless channel running, and tireless pressing to unsettle defenders. His intelligent link-up play and work ethic have perfectly synchronized with Arteta’s tactical system, making him a crucial part of the Gunners’ recent success.

Arteta expressed sympathy for the striker’s situation but emphasized the importance of managing such challenges.

“If he’s got something, he’s going to have to deal with it. We will help him do that. He was in a really good moment, in really good form and he’s very important for the team, but for tomorrow we don’t have him,” the Arsenal boss added.

Just 24 hours before the crucial European tie, Arteta confirmed the Swede’s absence once more, stressing that the medical team will continue to assess him.

“Gyökeres definitely won’t be available. He didn’t train today. We need to do more tests and scans over the next few days to see how bad he is.”

With Gyökeres sidelined, Arteta faces a selection dilemma ahead of the clash, as Arsenal looks to maintain their strong Champions League form. Fans will be hoping the injury is only a minor setback for a player who has quickly become a fan favourite at the Emirates.