Arsenal Faces Multiple Key Injuries Ahead Champions League

Arsenal faces significant squad challenges ahead of their Champions League clash with Slavia Praha due to multiple injuries and suspensions. Key players Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi both left the recent 2-0 win over Burnley with muscular injuries, with Gyökeres requiring scans to determine the extent of his issue; this raises concerns given his important role and exceptional recent performances. Arsenal are also managing seven significant absences, including long-term knee injuries to several forwards, which strains their depth amid a demanding schedule. Additionally, Declan Rice is at risk of suspension for the next Champions League match against Bayern Munich if he receives another yellow card in the upcoming game, following Martin Zubimendi's confirmed suspension for accumulating three yellow cards. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the unusual concentration of injuries in the frontline and emphasized the need to maintain freshness and cohesion in the team, highlighting the difficulty of competing every three days under such conditions. Despite these challenges, Arsenal has maintained strong form in the Champions League, winning all three opening matches without conceding, but the squad's fitness and discipline will be crucial to sustaining their momentum.