Arsenal, currently riding a wave of successes this season, have earmarked a ‘hopeful’ return date for two pivotal players despite manager Mikel Arteta’s palpable concerns. The North London outfit find themselves atop the Premier League standings, having displayed impeccable form both domestically and in Europe. They currently boast an unblemished record in the Champions League group stages and continue their progression in the Carabao Cup.
While the Gunners’ recent history suggests they are favourites to secure the Premier League title, a feat that would break their protracted silverware drought, they now face a potential obstacle in the form of injuries to key personnel. Having invested substantially in recent transfer windows to assemble a squad brimming with quality in every position, these setbacks could prove untimely.
Tuesday evening sees Arsenal travel to the Czech Republic to face Slavia Prague in their fourth Champions League group stage fixture. However, Mikel Arteta confirmed that both Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli will not be available for selection due to injuries.
Arteta expressed his unease over Gyökeres’s situation, stating: “Victor [Gyökeres] is unavailable, he’s not participated in training today. Additional tests and scans are required to ascertain the full extent of his issue. My concerns stem from the fact that he isn’t experiencing a muscle problem, yet opted to leave the pitch feeling unwell, which is seldom optimistic.”
According to The Athletic, the duo is also expected to miss the forthcoming league encounter against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. However, sources indicate that Arsenal’s coaching staff have pencilled in November 23 as a tentative return date, coinciding with the eagerly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. This match will mark Arsenal’s first outing following the international break.
Renowned transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano reiterated this timeline, stating: “Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli are ruled out of this week’s UEFA Champions League clash due to injury concerns. #AFC anticipate their return post-international break against Spurs, as corroborated by @gunnelblog.”
Additionally, former Liverpool and Manchester City stalwart Didi Hamann has tipped Arsenal as serious contenders for this season’s Champions League crown, an observation rooted in their enhanced stability compared to last year. Hamann remarked: “They have demonstrated remarkable fortitude. If Arsenal maintain fitness across their squad, particularly with their standout centre-backs and Declan Rice, their odds in Europe remain as favourable as any.”
Arsenal continues to navigate their campaign with the depth and quality that inspire belief across the footballing fraternity.