By Ireti Asemota.
November 4, 2025 — Bad news, Gunners fans. Viktor Gyokeres — Arsenal’s explosive Swedish striker — missed training Monday after limping off against Burnley. Mikel Arteta just confirmed: “He’s definitely not available for Slavia Prague.”
Let’s break down the injury blow, the growing absentee list, and why fixture chaos could break Arsenal’s title charge.
Gyokeres Injury: “Never a Good Sign”
Arteta didn’t sugarcoat it:
“I’m concerned. He’s very explosive — and he had to leave the pitch feeling something.” — Mikel Arteta
Gyokeres subbed off in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Burnley with a muscle issue. No training Monday. Scans incoming this week.
“We’re digging deeper to understand the extent. We’ll update as soon as we know.”
Bottom line: Gyokeres is OUT for Thursday’s Champions League trip to Slavia Prague.
Arsenal’s Attack in TATTERS: 6 Key Men Missing
Gyokeres joins a brutal injury list:
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kai Havertz | Forward | OUT |
| Gabriel Jesus | Striker | OUT |
| Gabriel Martinelli | Winger | OUT |
| Noni Madueke | Winger | OUT |
| Martin Ødegaard | Playmaker | OUT |
| Viktor Gyokeres | Striker | OUT (new) |
That’s every major attacking option — gone.
Mikel Merino — who replaced Gyokeres vs Burnley — is now in line to start in Prague.
Still Chasing History
Despite the crisis, Arsenal are flying:
- 10th straight win in all comps on the line
- 8th clean sheet in a row possible
- 6 points clear of Man City in the Premier League
- 7 ahead of Liverpool
- 3 wins from 3 in Champions League group stage
First English title since 2004? First European crown ever? Both within reach — if bodies hold up.
Fixture Pile-Up: Arteta’s Plea to the Premier League
Arsenal face a brutal December.
The League Cup quarter-final vs Crystal Palace moved from Dec 16 → Dec 23. But that still leaves both London clubs playing twice in 3 days (Dec 21 & 23).
Arteta is furious:
“To play two days later doesn’t make sense.” “We have 7 players out. What depth are we talking about?”
He wants the Everton Premier League game rescheduled to avoid two games in 72 hours.
“Player welfare is the most important part. We need respect.”
What’s Next?
- Tuesday/Wednesday: Gyokeres scans
- Thursday: Slavia Prague (UCL) — Merino likely starts
- Weekend: Premier League clash (TBD)
- Dec 23: League Cup vs Palace
Final Whistle: Can Arsenal Survive This Storm?
Yes, they’re unbeaten in 10. Yes, the defense is rock-solid. But six attackers down? That’s a crisis.
Arteta needs:
- Quick recoveries
- Smart rotation
- Premier League to move that Everton game
👇 Gunners, Sound Off!
- Will Merino step up in Prague?
- Should the Premier League force a reschedule?
- Can Arsenal win the title this thin?
Comment your prediction below! 🔥 Like + Share if you’re worried (or confident). Subscribe for live injury updates, lineups, and title race alerts.
