Viktor Gyokeres has been ruled out of Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich this week.
The Sweden international was forced off at half-time in the victory over Burnley at the start of November, missing games against Slavia Prague and Sunderland heading into the international break.
He was among the clutch of players who were doubts for Sunday’s north London derby.
Despite Mikel Arteta’s hopes, he was left out of the squad with Mikel Merino deputising up top as Eberechi Eze netted a hat-trick in an unforgettable derby triumph.
The big games keep coming for Arsenal as they host Bayern at the Emirates on Wednesday – a meeting between the top two sides in the Champions League standings.
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The Gunners then make the short journey over to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea on Sunday.
Gyokeres was not spotted in training at London Colney on Tuesday with Arteta telling reporters this afternoon he will not be fit in time for the visit of the German champions.
But the Arsenal boss is hopeful he will recover in time for play against Chelsea this weekend.
‘Really good both of them,’ Arteta said when asked about Gyokeres and Kai Havertz. ‘
‘In the next few days they will have scans to see if we can push them for the weekend.’
Martin Odegaard back in Arsenal training
Arsenal have been handed a huge boost elsewhere however with Martin Odegaard back in training with the group.
The captain has been sidelined since October with a knee injury and was another not involved on Sunday in the derby.
But the Norway international was back among his teammates this afternoon with Arteta hopeful he can be involved on Wednesday night.
‘We are going to have a meeting now to decide on Martin,’ Arteta said. ‘We are confident he can be in the squad.’
Kai Havertz injury latest
Havertz has not played since the opening game of the season, undergoing what was initially described as ‘minor’ knee surgery.
The Germany international was expected to be back in contention after the November international break only for Germany boss Julian Nageslmann to reveal the forward had suffered a setback, ruling him out until the end of the year.
While he was not involved in training om Tuesday, he, along with Gyokeres, will be assessed ahead of the weekend.