Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he is “concerned” about Viktor Gokeres’ injury after he did not travel to Slavia Prague for the Champions League match.
Gökeres was taken off injured at half-time in the 2-0 win over Burnley and will not be in the Czech Republic for Tuesday night’s game against Arsenal.
“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 Kai Havertz not scheduled to return until after the November international break and Gabriel Jesus on an extended absence, 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.
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.”
