Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that striker Viktor Gyokeres remains a major doubt for the Gunners' Premier League showdown with Chelsea this weekend.

Gyokeres, who last featured in early November during a clash against Burnley, has missed Arsenal’s last four fixtures due to injury. With Kai Havertz also sidelined since the season’s opening weekend with a knee issue, Arteta has relied on Mikel Merino to spearhead Arsenal’s attack in recent weeks.

Speaking during Friday’s press conference, Arteta confirmed that scan results for Gyokeres and Havertz were still pending but expressed optimism about their progress.
“Not yet, but they are getting closer and closer. We are very positive with both of them and let’s see,” he said.

There is, however, a fresh worry surrounding Leandro Trossard, who was forced off early in Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. Arteta noted that the Belgian will undergo further assessment before a final decision is made on his availability for Sunday.

“There is another test today. We have to see how he’s feeling. It doesn’t look much. There is a potential chance he could be available for Chelsea,” Arteta added.

Opinion: Arsenal’s Injury Clouds Raise Tough Questions Before a Crucial Derby

For a team in the thick of a title race, Arsenal could hardly have asked for a more inconvenient moment to face injury uncertainty. The potential absence of Viktor Gyokeres—signed to add firepower and physical presence—leaves a noticeable void up front, especially in a fixture where every inch matters.

Even more concerning is the long-term absence of Kai Havertz. Arteta’s system thrives on fluidity, false-nine movements, and attacking rotations, all qualities Havertz brings naturally. Without him and Gyokeres, Arsenal’s attack has looked functional but far from frightening.

Mikel Merino has stepped in admirably, but relying on a midfielder to lead the line against a Chelsea side that thrives on chaotic, high-energy matches is a gamble. Against top opponents, Arsenal need sharpness, unpredictability, and clinical finishing—qualities that Gyokeres was signed to deliver.

Trossard’s situation adds yet another layer of uncertainty. His creativity, link-up play, and ability to shift between lines often serve as Arsenal’s spark in tight games. Losing him—even temporarily—could hurt Arteta’s tactical flexibility.

Still, there is reason for calm. Arsenal have shown resilience this season, grinding out results even when not at full strength. If the medical updates go their way, Arteta could still have enough firepower to trouble Chelsea. If not, this match could serve as another reminder of how thin margins define Premier League campaigns.