Arsenal's Champions League Clash Against Slavia Prague Looms Large, But a Mountain of Injuries Could Derail Their Dreams – Can They Rise Above the Setbacks?
Imagine gearing up for a high-stakes Champions League showdown, only to watch your star players drop like dominoes due to nagging injuries. That's the gripping reality facing Arsenal FC as they prepare to take on Slavia Prague today. This isn't just any match; it's a pivotal encounter in Europe's elite competition, and the Gunners are bracing for a battle with a squad that's more patched up than battle-ready. But here's where it gets controversial: is Mikel Arteta relying too heavily on unproven talent, or could this be the spark that ignites Arsenal's resilience?
At the heart of the concern is Viktor Gyokeres, the explosive striker who's currently sidelined and unlikely to feature. As a beginner in football fandom, think of him as the powerful forward who charges forward with incredible speed and force, much like a sprinter bursting out of the blocks. His absence is a major blow, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shed light on it during a press briefing in Prague on Monday evening. 'He's definitely out for this one and hasn't trained today,' Arteta explained. 'We'll need further tests and scans in the coming days to gauge the full extent of the injury, but for tonight's game, he's unavailable.' He added a note of worry, saying, 'I'm concerned because he hasn't dealt with many muscular problems before, and having to exit the pitch on Saturday – feeling something off – is never a good sign, especially for a player who's so incredibly dynamic and quick.'
Gyokeres isn't alone on the injury list, which is stacking up like a bad habit. Joining him on the sidelines are Gabriel Martinelli (known for his blistering pace and trickery on the wing), Gabriel Jesus (a clinical finisher often compared to a sniper in attack), Kai Havertz (a versatile midfielder with a knack for scoring from midfield), goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, captain Martin Odegaard (the creative maestro pulling the strings), Noni Madueke (an exciting young talent with electric speed), and of course, Gyokeres himself.
And this is the part most people miss: Martinelli's muscular issue has kept him out of the last two games, while Havertz, Jesus, Madueke, and Odegaard are all battling knee problems, which can sideline players for weeks and require careful rehab to avoid long-term damage. For newcomers to the sport, knee injuries are particularly tricky because they affect a player's ability to pivot, sprint, or even stand firm in tackles – imagine trying to run a marathon after twisting your ankle!
With so many attackers unavailable, Arsenal might have to get creative, potentially pushing midfielder Mikel Merino into a frontline role as a makeshift striker, flanked by wingers Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard. Saka, often hailed as Arsenal's talisman with his precise crosses and goal-scoring prowess, and Trossard, a reliable finisher with a eye for the net, could provide the width and threat needed.
In midfield, where the engine room controls the game's tempo, Christian Norgaard stands a strong chance to anchor the lineup at the base in place of the suspended Martin Zubimendi. Norgaard, a defensive midfielder with a knack for breaking up play and distributing the ball, could be key in shielding the backline. Meanwhile, young talent Ethan Nwaneri might slot into the midfield mix, replacing Eberechi Eze, who's been a consistent starter in the last six matches for Arsenal, showcasing his energy and ability to cover ground.
Defensively, Arteta could shake things up by rotating his full-backs – think of full-backs as the speedy defenders hugging the sidelines, providing overlap runs or solid cover. Ben White, a versatile defender known for his crossing and stamina, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, an emerging right-back with promise, might step in for Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, who could use a breather or rotation to stay fresh.
Based on all this, here's our predicted starting XI for Arsenal in a 4-3-3 formation: David Raya in goal (a reliable shot-stopper with quick reflexes); White, William Saliba (the rock-solid center-back), Gabriel, and Lewis-Skelly in defense; Nwaneri, Norgaard, and Declan Rice (the midfield heartbeat with his passing range) in the middle; and Saka, Merino, Trossard up front.
Doubts linger over Arrizabalaga, who might be a late call depending on fitness checks. The injured list remains: Jesus (knee), Gyokeres, Havertz (knee), Madueke (knee), Martinelli (thigh muscle strain), and Odegaard (knee). Zubimendi is suspended after picking up a card.
The match kicks off at 5:45 PM GMT on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Fortuna Arena in Prague. For fans wanting to catch the action, tune in via TNT Sports.
Now, let's stir the pot: With such a depleted squad, could Arsenal's underdogs pull off an upset, proving that depth and spirit trump star power? Or is this a recipe for disaster, exposing vulnerabilities that contenders can't afford? What do you think – will Arteta's tweaks work, or should he stick to the big names? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint on Arsenal's injury crisis!**
