Arsenal face Slavia Prague at Fortuna Arena in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but Mikel Arteta’s side have taken a fitness hit.
Arsenal will be without Victor Gokeres for Tuesday’s match against Slavia Prague. The forward was sent off at half-time during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor and is now likely to miss the team’s game at Fortuna Arena.
That’s because he was conspicuously absent from Arsenal’s training on Monday afternoon as Mikel Arteta’s side continued to prepare for their Champions League fixture. The Sweden international, who had broken his Premier League duck while giving his team the lead against the Clarets, sustained a minor injury and was replaced at half-time by Mikel Merino.
“I think that was one of the best games he (Gokeres) has played,” Arteta said after Saturday’s game. “I think his performance overall was exceptional.
“Everything, his high press, his position, his touch. His running behind, the way he connected plays, the way he got us out of this situation into a transition moment, a lot of things. I thought he was in a really good moment.”
“Unfortunately he felt something. We had to take him down because he felt a little ticklish. So we’ll have to wait and see. He felt something muscular so we’ll have to wait to find out the extent of it.”
read more: Arsenal star William Saliba confirms move to Real Madrid with message from Kylian Mbappéread more: Mika Richards argues with Paul Scholes, calling him ‘one of the best players in the world’
However, while Gokeres was absent, Martin Zvimendi took part in the session despite offering to be substituted during the win against Scott Parker’s team. However, Arteta will be without the midfielder for tomorrow’s game as he was suspended after picking up three yellow cards in a league match.
However, it is clear that Arsenal are keen to maintain Zvimendi’s conditioning and fitness and their focus will be on this Saturday’s game against Sunderland. Tottenham will then face the Gunners in their first game back after the international break.
Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined as they did not take part in the session. Victory at Turf Moor means the Gunners are now six points clear at the top of the table.
After the game, Arteta said: “I’m very happy. It’s a really difficult place to come to. The only time they’ve lost[here]in 18 months was against Liverpool, with a penalty kick at the end of the game.”
“I think we started the game very well. I think the first half was one of the best we’ve played. We scored two goals, created a couple more big chances and didn’t concede.”
“That was a stepping stone because we lowered our standards in the second half, especially on the ball and with the intention of taking more risks and playing forward.
“But again, defensively, we were exceptional until the free-kick moment. We were a little bit lucky that the free-kick hit the post and we kept a clean sheet.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
