Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, despite facing an injury crisis, travels to Slavia Prague aiming to extend their flawless Champions League run and secure a vital win to move closer to knockout stage qualification.
Arsenal travel to the Fortuna Arena to face Slavia Prague in the Champions League, seeking a win that would secure early qualification for the knockout stages.
According to Daily Cannon reporting, however, Mikel Arteta’s side arrives amidst a significant injury crisis that threatens to derail their perfect start to the European campaign.
Arsenal are one of only five sides with a maximum nine points, and their defensive record has been exceptional, recording ten clean sheets in their last fourteen European group and league-stage matches.
The Gunners’ task is complicated by multiple absences against a Slavia side that, under Jindřich Trpišovský, is historically tough to beat at home in Europe, despite their overall poor record against English clubs.
Daily Cannon reporting highlights that key midfielder Martin Zubimendi is out due to both a muscular problem and a one-match suspension.
Furthermore, major doubts surround the fitness of star attacker Gabriel Martinelli, who is battling a groin issue, and striker Viktor Gyokeres, who was withdrawn early in the weekend’s victory over Burnley.
Speaking on the forward’s status, Arteta offered a guarded update: “We had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle, muscular, so we’ll have to wait and see,” Arteta said. “I think he was in a really good moment. It’s a shame that he felt something.”
Arteta also confirmed Zubimendi’s situation following the Burnley game, stating, “Zubi as well, he asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see,” though his suspension would have forced his rest regardless.
With Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus already unavailable, the manager will need to heavily rotate his squad as they navigate a challenging run of three consecutive away games.