Arteta Provides Fresh Viktor Gyokeres Injury Update Ahead of Chelsea Clash

Arsenal await final news on the striker as the Viktor Gyokeres injury update dominates Arteta’s pre-Chelsea press conference.

Viktor Gyokeres injury update from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has added fresh uncertainty to the striker’s chances of featuring in this weekend’s Premier League clash with Chelsea. Arteta confirmed that Gyokeres remains doubtful and will undergo another series of medical scans before the club’s doctors decide if he is fit enough to be named in the squad at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking during his pre-match media duties on Friday, Arteta explained that Arsenal are still monitoring Gyokeres, who has been out since sustaining an injury in the victory over Burnley earlier this month. The Swedish striker has now missed four straight fixtures, including major clashes against Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich, leaving Arsenal without one of their most influential forwards.

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Arteta said the club will evaluate him again on Saturday:

We have another day tomorrow, so let’s see how everyone is,” he said when asked about Gyokeres’ availability.

The manager confirmed that doctors will conduct a fresh scan on the striker to determine whether he can feature, but admitted that they have not yet reached clarity. 

Ongoing Fitness Worries Across the Squad

Arsenal are also managing multiple fitness concerns. Kai Havertz continues his recovery from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since the opening weekend. His prolonged absence, combined with Gyokeres’ injury, has forced Arteta to adjust his attacking structure.

In recent matches, Mikel Merino has stepped into a more advanced role and delivered important contributions, especially in Europe. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard—who limped off during Arsenal’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich with a calf issue—remains a doubt. Arteta suggested the problem “didn’t look much,” meaning Trossard still has a chance of making the squad.

What Gyokeres’ Absence Means for Arsenal

Arsenal’s visit to Stamford Bridge comes at a crucial stage of the season. With a demanding festive schedule approaching, the fixtures will test the squad’s depth. Gyokeres’ potential absence forces Arteta to rethink his attacking setup, especially against a Chelsea side that applies high pressure at home.

If Gyokeres misses out, Arsenal will once again rely on Merino’s tactical intelligence and hope for Trossard’s return to provide thrust in the final third.

The ongoing uncertainty around Havertz only increases the importance of maintaining rotation and resilience as Arsenal look to stay competitive in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Arteta’s cautious update reflects the fine balance between pushing players to return and safeguarding long-term fitness. Gyokeres remains a major doubt for Sunday’s derby, and Arsenal fans will closely follow the final medical report before kick-off.

With Chelsea eager to challenge the league leaders, the presence or absence of Gyokeres could shape the intensity and outcome of this pivotal London clash.

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