Arsenal have been dealt a blow after Viktor Gyokeres missed training ahead of the Champions League clash away at Slavia Prague.
Gyokeres, who opened the scoring in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor, was replaced at half time for Mikel Merino after complaining of a muscular issue.
Youngster Andre Harriman-Annous – who made his senior debut against Brighton last week – was called up to train with the first team as a result.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was also absent, though Mikel Arteta should provide an update on the Spaniard in the pre-match press conference on Monday evening.
In addition, Martin Zubimendi also had a muscular issue and was replaced by Christian Norgaard with 13 minutes to go against Burnley after receiving treatment on the pitch.
While, the Spaniard is suspended for Arsenal’s trip to Prague after picking up three yellow cards in the competition, he did train on Monday which suggests he will be fit for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland.
Also missing from the aforementioned training session were the long-term injury casualties. Kai Havertz who has been out of action since August after undergoing knee surgery back then.
The German came off the bench in Arsenal’s opening Premier League game of the season at Old Trafford, but he has not played since then.
Noni Madueke, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer as part of a deal worth over £50million, has not featured since September.
The winger injured his knee during a 1-1 draw with Manchester City and had to come off at half time in that game.
Madueke avoided surgery and has been pushing to get back because he is eager to play for England during next week’s international break.
Martin Odegaard has had an injury-hit season. The Norwegian has had a recurring shoulder problem, while his latest issue is related to his knee.
The Arsenal captain injured his knee during a 2-0 win over West Ham at the start of last month and has not played since.
Mikel Arteta spoke positively about Havertz, Madueke and Odegaard’s fitness last week and is optimistic they will all be fit for the north London derby later this month.
Gabriel Martinelli has missed Arsenal’s last two games after tweaking his thigh towards the end of the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on October 26.
The winger was able to finish the match, but he limped down the tunnel following the full-time whistle and has not played since then.
Gabriel Jesus is also out of action, and will be until the end of this year, as he continues to recover from knee surgery back in January.