Arsenal learn Viktor Gyokeres injury update as Sweden omit striker from latest squad | OneFootball

The striker missed Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Slavia Prague

Viktor Gyokeres is set to miss Arsenal’s trip to Sunderland on Saturday.

The striker has been left out of the Sweden squad for their World Cup qualifier with Switzerland a week on Saturday, and their clash with Slovenia three days later.

Gyokeres is struggling with a muscular issue, believed to be his hamstring, that he picked up during Arsenal’s win at Burnley last weekend.

The 27-year-old was forced off at half-time during the Gunners’ 2-0 win at Turf Moor and missed their victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday.

I am concerned ... he was very disappointed with what he felt

Gyokeres is undergoing scans this week to determine the extent of his injury and Mikel Arteta is due to give an update on his progress at a press conference on Friday morning.

“I am concerned because he hasn’t had many muscular issues and he had to leave the pitch and he was feeling something and that’s obviously never a good sign,” said Arteta on Monday.

“Especially for a player that is very, very explosive, so we are digging in a little bit more to understand where we are in terms of injury and we will announce it when we know more.

“He was very disappointed after the match [at Burnley] with what he felt, but this is part of football.

“At the end of the day, if you expect a linear line, everything going up, it’s not going to happen. If he’s got something he’s going to have to deal with, we will help him to do that.”

At the double: Mikel Merino scored twice in Viktor Gyokeres’ absence

AFP via Getty Images

In Gyokeres’ absence, Mikel Merino led the line in Prague on Tuesday and scored twice during Arsenal’s 3-0 win.

He will be expected to do so again on Saturday, when Arsenal travel to take on Sunderland - who are fourth in the Premier League after a fine start.

Andre Harriman Annous, who made his debut last week against Brighton, could be in the squad again as the 17-year-old is the only out-and-out striker that Arsenal have fit right now.

As well as Gyokeres, Arsenal are without six more first-team players due to injury.

Gabriel Martinell, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke are all hoping to return for the north London derby on November 23.

Gabriel Jesus will be back towards the end of this year or in early January. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga missed the game in Prague and it is unknown when he will be back.