Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a crucial update on the fitness of striker Viktor Gyokeres ahead of his side's Premier League showdown with Chelsea this weekend.
Striker Concerns for Gunners
The Sweden international remains a major doubt for Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge. Gyokeres has not featured for Arsenal since being substituted at half-time during the victory over Burnley at the start of November, causing him to miss the last four matches.
His absence has been keenly felt, with the forward sitting out key fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich. Arteta confirmed this week that the player was scheduled for another scan to determine his availability for the London derby.
Havertz Nearing Return Amid Setback Claims
The situation in attack is further complicated by the ongoing recovery of Kai Havertz from a knee injury. The German has been sidelined since the opening weekend of the season after undergoing what was described as 'minor' knee surgery following a substitute appearance against Manchester United in August.
While a return seemed imminent, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann suggested during the recent international break that Havertz had suffered a setback, potentially delaying his comeback until the end of the year. However, Arteta struck a more positive note, stating both Havertz and Gyokeres are "getting closer and closer" to a return, with final assessments planned for Saturday.
Mixed Fortunes in Arsenal's Treatment Room
Arsenal will definitely be without defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who is expected to be sidelined until late December at the earliest with a thigh injury.
There was some positive news, however, as Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Martin Odegaard have all returned to action. Madueke and Martinelli both came off the bench to score in the midweek victory over Bayern Munich, with Odegaard also making his first appearance since October.
A fresh concern emerged when Leandro Trossard was forced off in the first half against Bayern. The knock is believed to be minor, and Arteta is hopeful the Belgian could still feature against Chelsea. "There is another test today," Arteta said. "We have to see how he’s feeling. It doesn’t look much. There is a potential chance [he could be available for Chelsea]."
With attacking options limited, Mikel Merino has been tasked with leading the Arsenal attack in recent matches. All eyes will be on Saturday's final fitness tests ahead of this critical London derby.
