Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is once again forced into playing without a natural striking option following Viktor Gyokeres’ injury, and while the early signs have been fairly positive that it’s nothing too serious, supporters could have reason to be slightly worried.
Gyokeres is currently undergoing scans on the problem as the north Londoners await results of more definitive testing.
The Sweden international, who was left out of Graham Potter’s national team squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia this month, missed Arsenal’s 3-0 win away to Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday after being hauled off against Burnley last weekend.
Mikel Merino, who has scored 11 goals in all competitions this calendar year, deputised as a makeshift number nine once again to great effect as the Spaniard’s brace helped to clinch all three points in the Czech Republic.
However, Arteta won’t want to rely on Merino for an overly extensive period as he did last season, despite the midfielder’s excellent performances up top, as Arsenal’s manager has been adamant that Gyokeres makes his side even more unpredictable.
This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Gyokeres personally, as the £55 million summer signing was just hitting a good run of form with three goals in his last three games — just after the centre-forward went seven matches without scoring in all competitions.
Arsenal 5-0 Leeds United
8.84
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
7.97
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
7.68
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
6.69
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
6.68
via WhoScored
The former Sporting CP star, according to insider Hand of Arsenal and other reliable sources this week, is expected back in time for Arsenal’s crunch North London derby clash against Tottenham near the end of this month — which will come as music to the ears of fans.
Journalist explains why he's worried for Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal
That being said, Arteta has still admitted that he’s quite concerned, potentially suggesting the aforementioned timeframe isn’t set in stone as Gyokeres awaits further test results.
Taking this into account, journalist Charles Watts has told Sports Mole that he’s still “worried” about Gyokeres’ condition and Arsenal face a “massive blow” if it is indeed hamstring-related.
Once Gyokeres does return to full fitness, which Arteta hopes will be in time for Tottenham, it is also imperative that the striker isn’t rushed back unnecessarily.
His readiness to be thrust straight back into action will be key and Arsenal won’t be keen on taking any chances, especially after their plethora of attacking injuries lately.
