Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he is "concerned" about striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been ruled out of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Slavia Prague. The Swedish forward, who found the net in Saturday's win over Burnley, was forced off in the second half and did not travel with the squad to the Czech capital. His return timeline remains uncertain.
Arteta confirmed that Gyokeres will undergo further medical tests to determine the severity of the injury.
"He's definitely not available and he hasn't trained today. He hasn't had any muscular injuries before. We need to do some tests and scans to understand the extent of the injury," the manager said.
"I am concerned. He had to leave the pitch as he was feeling something, and that's obviously not a good sign for a player that is very explosive."
With Gyokeres sidelined, Leandro Trossard could lead the line for the Gunners in Prague. Arsenal's attacking options are already limited, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli still sidelined by long-term injuries.
Speaking about the prospect of playing up front, Trossard said: "It's a big change, it also depends on the state of the game and what the manager wants me to do...
"The last couple of years, we have been challenging for the title, we have the same mindset this season as well. We want to win it and we know how hard that is, but I think that we are on the right track, and there is still a long way to go. But, we want to win every game, that's our mindset."
That mindset will be tested against Slavia Prague, a team Arsenal have never lost to in four previous meetings, winning twice and drawing twice. However, Arteta expects a tough contest against the Czech champions.
"The team has been competing well in all the competitions, and tomorrow we know that we have a really tough match here," Arteta said.
"They are unbeaten at home all season, they are a team that are used to playing together, they have a clear philosophy, they create a massive atmosphere, and we know it’s going to be a tough match.”
Slavia coach Jindrich Trpisovsky acknowledged earlier that Arsenal are a “much-changed” side since their last encounter.
The trip also offers Arteta a reunion with former teammate and current Sparta Prague director Tomas Rosicky.
“I will try to see him,” Arteta said. “We had a great time together (at Arsenal) and I always say that Tomas is one of my favourite players who I played with.
“If there is a chance tomorrow and he is available, we will see each other, give each other a hug and talk a little bit about football.”
Arsenal will also be without Martin Zubimendi, who is suspended for the match, paving the way for Christian Norgaard to make his first start since joining the club in the summer.
