Mikel Arteta Confident of Replacement as Viktor Gyokeres Faces Fitness Concern

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is facing a nervous wait over the fitness of striker Viktor Gyokeres, who was substituted at halftime during the club's victory over Burnley on Saturday.

The Swedish international opened the scoring at Turf Moor, netting his sixth goal since a £64 million summer transfer from Sporting CP, before Declan Rice extended the Gunners' advantage.

However, Viktor Gyokeres did not return for the second half, raising fresh concerns for the Premier League leaders.

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Speaking after the match, Mikel Arteta confirmed the striker ‘felt something’ during the interval. "We had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle," the manager explained, as quoted by Football London. "We'll have to wait and see."

Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the 27-year-old's contribution before the setback, describing his performance as exceptional.

"Everything. His high press, his position and his touches. His threat is behind, the way he linked play," Arteta noted. "I think he was in a really good moment. It's a shame that he felt something."

The Gunners' victory was marred by another injury, with Martin Zubimendi also being forced off with a muscular problem.

With crucial fixtures against Slavia Prague and Sunderland looming before the November international break, Arteta will be hoping for positive news on both players.

However, some relief appears to be on the horizon. Mikel Arteta recently suggested that Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Noni Madueke are all nearing a return to action.

Kai Havertz has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery after the season opener against Manchester United, but is now in the final stages of his recovery.

"I would say weeks, and some of them pretty soon, hopefully, if they keep evolving the way they are doing," Arteta said regarding the injured trio. "We have the international break... and after that, I think we'll have some back."

The manager expressed his excitement about their imminent return, highlighting the "huge boost" they will provide to the squad. "I see them work every single day, how desperate they are to be part of the team," he added.

Should Kai Havertz be fit after the break, he could feature in the highly anticipated clash against Tottenham on November 23.

His return would be timely, offering Mikel Arteta a valuable alternative if Viktor Gyokeres' injury proves to be serious. If not, the manager will soon have the welcome dilemma of choosing between two in-form strikers.