Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win over Burnley was overshadowed by potential injuries to summer signings Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, leaving Mikel Arteta with significant concerns ahead of a tough fixture run.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi were forced off with muscular injuries during Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win against Burnley, according to recent reports.
The double blow casts a shadow over an otherwise dominant victory that saw the Gunners extend their lead at the top of the table.
Gyökeres, who opened the scoring with an exceptional performance in the first half, was substituted at half-time.
Arteta later explained that the Swedish striker was withdrawn due to a “little niggle.” Midfielder Martin Zubimendi was also a casualty at Turf Moor, having asked to be subbed in the final 15 minutes of the match, also suffering a muscular concern.
Arteta acknowledged the quality of the first-half display but admitted the second-half drop-off was a factor in managing his players. Concerns over the duo are amplified given Arsenal’s upcoming European fixture on Tuesday.
Speaking on Gyökeres’s withdrawal, Arteta praised the forward’s display but confirmed the injury risk: “We had to take him out because he was feeling a little niggle, muscular. So we’ll have to wait and see.”
On Zubimendi’s status, the Spaniard added: “Zubi as well, he asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see. Muscular issue, yes. I don’t know, but muscular, yeah.”
Arsenal will now await scans to learn the full extent of the injuries, hoping both players can quickly recover.