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Viktor Gyokeres picked up a knock before the November international break and is yet to return

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Arsenal are still sweating over the fitness of Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the weekend. The 27-year-old has been out of action since before the November international break, last featuring in the 2-0 win over Burnley back on November 1. Gyokeres is facing a race against time to be fit for the visit to Chelsea on Sunday, with the Premier League's top two set to go head-to-head. Get Arsenal tickets at Seat Unique Arsenal's premium Club Level tickets offer superb padded seating and access to the lounge two-and-a-half hours pre-match. The package includes four drinks, one food item, and a half-time complimentary drink. Guests also receive a £5 merchandise voucher and a complimentary Museum Tour, ensuring an elevated and comprehensive matchday experience for home supporters. Mikel Merino has been asked to lead the line in Gyokeres' recent absence, with the Spaniard performing well in recent wins over Tottenham and Bayern Munich over the last seven days. But with Enzo Maresca's Chelsea to come next, most feel the Gunners will best benefit from having the Sweden international back to feature, and Arteta has provided a coy update in the last few days.

As relayed by the Spaniard before Bayern's visit, Gyokeres and fellow forward Kai Havertz are set to be watched carefully over the next 48-72 hours. "Really good, both of them, " he began. "In the next few days, they're going to have a repeat scan to see how everything is and where we can push them for the weekend. " The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. "Well, we have to look at the individuals and make sure that they are ready, if it's to start a game like this, and the second one, for how long they can play. “We need to be very mindful as well of how many of those players we put on the pitch because most of them are not going to be able to finish 90 minutes. So we need to be conscious about the subs that we need to use, how we're going to use them, and the windows that we have. “In order to be very efficient with our decision-making throughout the game and we'll plan in regard to that. ”

Arsenal are also waiting on Gabriel Jesus' long-awaited return, too, with the Brazil international edging ever closer after suffering an ACL tear last season. It is thought the Gunners are set to play Manchester United in an Under-21s behind-closed-doors friendly next week, with the Red Devils also keen to get Lisandro Martinez some vital minutes in the tank. Could this be the season finally for Arsenal? Or will one of Chelsea, Manchester City or even Liverpool mount a decent title charge? Let us know down below in the comments. .. Matthew Holt writes freelance for Four Four Two, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

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