Victor Gokeres is unlikely to feature again for Arsenal until after the international break, with the club hoping he can return for the north London derby alongside Gabriel Martinelli.
Both players will miss Tuesday’s Champions League game against Slavia Prague and Saturday’s away game against Sunderland, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Gokeres picked up a slight muscle problem against Burnley at the weekend, while Martinelli has been sidelined since returning with a muscle problem in the 1-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal hope the pair will be back in time for the game against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates on November 23, which will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke could also return by then, but manager Mikel Arteta said last week that it was difficult to judge when, with two weeks of international break remaining.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted concerns ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League trip that his £55m summer signing from Sporting will not accompany him.
“He is definitely unavailable,” Arteta said. “He has not trained today. He will need further tests and scans over the next few days to understand the full extent of the injury. He will not be available for this match.”
Asked if he was worried or if it was a short-term problem, Arteta said: “I am worried, because he doesn’t really have a muscle problem, he just needed to leave the pitch and he felt something.”
“That’s never a good sign for an explosive player. We’re doing a little more investigation to understand the extent and status of the injury.”
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Watch the moment between Victor Gokeres of Arsenal and Burnley in the Premier League.
This is one of seven injuries Arsenal currently have, with most of them occurring in the forward areas. With Havertz also out and Gabriel Jesus also out for an extended period of time, the Gunners will be without a recognized No. 9 for the time being.
Arsenal have Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard as interim options in that area, but the only other forward confirmed is 17-year-old Andre Harriman-Anous, who made his Gunners debut in the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Brighton.
Analysis: Get ready to see another Arsenal now
Sam Blitz of Sky Sports in Prague:
Was a key player in the attack injured? Arsenal have been here before. Not only has it been a biweekly feeling since the season began, but throughout this calendar year as well.
However, despite Arsenal being claimed to have the strongest squad, Gokeres was one of two players that Arteta could not afford to lose. That’s because the backup option could take the team in a completely different direction.
The other player is Martin Zvimendi, but he was suspended for the game against Slavia, so we hope to see a different Arsenal on Tuesday night.
The blow to Gökeres was particularly frustrating because the Swede was just starting to get up to speed. The changes he has brought to the Gunners’ attack are starting to pay off, with runs at the back slowing down the defense and opening up space for Arsenal’s other attackers. His goal was approaching.
Going forward, Arsenal will probably have to bring Merino back as a top-tier No. 9 option. The Spaniard has a decent goalscoring record for club and country, but his natural midfield profile and penchant for playing deeper is in stark contrast to his match against Gokeres.
Arsenal are in the same position as last season’s final position, with no recognized striker available at the moment.
Arsenal surrendered the Premier League title to Liverpool between February and May after Havertz suffered a season-ending injury. There were some positive moments, such as two wins against Real Madrid, but Arsenal and Arteta failed to achieve their goals.
At Monday’s press conference, Arteta’s mood was one of frustration as he answered questions about injuries and fixtures after announcing the Carabao Cup quarter-final schedule. He even said his team doesn’t have depth anymore.
Trossard: I can play up front, but my preferred position is on the left wing.
Arsenal winger Trossard has spoken of his option to replace the injured Gokeres as Arsenal’s number nine, but admitted it is his preferred position after recently making a comeback on the left wing.
The Belgian has scored three goals and provided three assists this season, with his assist away to Burnley marking his 100th Premier League game for Arsenal.
Asked about his preferred role, Trossard said: “I think it’s the left wing position at the moment.” “At least now we have some stability and I think we showed that on the pitch as well.
“But as long as it’s a forward position, I can play in any position at any time. So if the manager wants me to play there, I’ll do my best.”
