Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has admitted he is “concerned” about Viktor Gyokeres’ injury.
The Sweden international scored his fourth league goal of the season as the Gunners ease to a 2-0 win at Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
Victory at Turf Moor extended their lead at the top of the table to six points as Arteta looks to guide Arsenal to a first Premier League title in over 20 years.
Arsenal have endured their fair share of injury issues this season, with Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke presently absent until after the international break.
Arsenal short of attacking options
And Gyokeres has joined the trio on the sidelines after coming off at the break against Burnley with a suspected muscle injury.
With Gabriel Jesus a long-term absentee, Arteta is short of attacking options for the foreseeable future.
Leandro Trossard may lead the line as a result, while Mikel Merino, who impressed as a makeshift striker last season, is another Arteta can call upon.
The former Sporting striker hasn’t travelled with the squad to face Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday evening as the north London side look to extend their winning run to 10 games.
“He's definitely not available,” Arteta said on Monday on Gyokeres’ availability against Slavia Prague.
“He hasn't trained today and we need to do some more tests and scans over the next few days to understand the full extent of the injury. This game, he's not available.”
'I am concerned'
When asked whether Arteta is concerned for the 27-year-old, the Arsenal boss replied: “I am concerned. Because he hasn't had many muscular issues, and he needed to leave the pitch and he was feeling something.
“It's never a good sign for a player who is explosive. We are digging in a little bit more to understand the extent and where we are in terms of the injury.”
Gyokeres has come in for criticism following his high-profile arrival from Sporting over the summer.
The Swede has only scored four league goals in 10 appearances since his move to north London, three of which have come against newly promoted pair Leeds and Burnley.
Gyokeres did bag a brace in a resounding 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid last week and would have hoped to add to his tally against Slavia Prague this evening.
Arsenal’s number 14 isn’t the only new signing unavailable tonight, with midfielder Martin Zubimendi suspended having accumulated three yellow cards in the Gunners’ opening three Champions League matches.
