Mikel Arteta has issued injury updates on Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi after Arsenal's dominant Premier League win over Burnley at Turf Moor. The former had put his side in front after just 14 minutes when he headed home Gabriel Magalhaes' ball back across the box from a corner with Declan Rice grabbing a second later in the half.
With the Gunners in total control, Arteta would have likely been hoping for a stress-free second 45 minutes, but he was unable to get that even before it began as Gyokeres was forced off.
Another concern was added to his plate in the late knockings with Zubimendi forced off after being on the ground for a number of minutes. He was also spotted shaking his head upon sitting on the bench.
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Firstly speaking on the potential injury to Gyokeres, Arteta said: "Before that I think he was one of the best players he's played. I think overall his performance was exceptional. A part of the goal, and we had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle. So we'll have to wait and see."
On Zubimendi, he added: "And Zubi as well, he asked to be subbed, so we'll have to wait and see."
Both summer signings have been key figures for Arteta this season with the duo contributing in front of goal and also doing unselfish work off the ball. Zubimendi bagged a brace in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest that Gyokeres also scored in.
The former Sporting CP man has struggled for goals but did grab two in the 4-0 triumph over Atletico Madrid which ended a lengthy goal drought.
In terms of potential replacements, Mikel Merino and Christian Norgaard will be the expected players to come in as they were introduced for the duo when they departed the win over Burnley.
Kai Havertz could soon help out, potentially in both positions, with Declan Rice more than capable of playing in a deeper role which could result in Havertz coming into midfield.
Arteta is hopeful of having him, Noni Madueke and captain Martin Odegaard back available sooner rather than later.
"I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing," he said of the trio on Friday.
"Difficult to put a game... We have an Int' break, and after that, I think we'll have some back. I don't know if it's going to be all of them, some of them, but we'll be quite close by then."
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