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IS VIKTOR GYOKERES FIT? ARTETA UPDATE AHEAD OF BAYERN SHOWDOWN

Viktor Gyokeres is ruled out for Arsenal's Champions League match vs Bayern Munich. Captain Martin Odegaard is back in training and could feature.

Is Viktor Gyokeres Fit? Arteta Update Ahead Of Bayern Showdown
Arteta Gives Final Gyokeres Status Today

Viktor Gyokeres won't play in Arsenal's Champions League game against Bayern Munich this week.

He had to leave the Burnley game early in November and then missed the Slavia Prague and Sunderland matches.

He was one of several players who were questionable for Sunday's north London derby.

Even though Mikel Arteta was hoping he could play, Gyokeres was left out of the squad. Mikel Merino filled in, and Eberechi Eze scored three goals in a derby that fans won't forget.

Arsenal has another big game coming up as they play Bayern at home on Wednesday. After that, they head to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea on Sunday.

Gyokeres wasn't seen at training on Tuesday, and Arteta told reporters that he won't be ready for the game against the German champions.

But the Arsenal coach thinks he'll be ready to play against Chelsea this weekend.

'They're both doing well,' Arteta said when asked about Gyokeres and Kai Havertz.

'They'll get scans in the next few days to see if they can play this weekend.'

Martin Odegaard is back in training

In other news, Martin Odegaard is back in training, which is a big boost for Arsenal.

The captain hasn't played since October because of a knee injury and also missed Sunday's derby.

But he was back with his teammates, and Arteta hopes he can play on Wednesday night.

'We're going to meet now to decide about Martin,' Arteta said. 'We think he can be in the squad.'

Kai Havertz injury update

Havertz hasn't played since the first game of the season. He had what was called 'minor' knee surgery.

People thought he'd be back after the November international break, but Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, said that he had a setback and won't be back until the end of the year.

He didn't train on Tuesday, but he and Gyokeres will be checked before the weekend.

BAYERN PREP: ARSENAL HINTS DROP ON DOWMAN, GYöKERES SPOT

Arsenal host Bayern Munich in a crucial UCL clash. Arteta faces key team decisions as injury crisis eases and youngsters wait.

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Double Hint: Dowman, Gyökeres Replacements

Arsenal is gearing up for a huge Champions League game as they host Bayern Munich at the Emirates. Bayern has been a tough opponent for Arsenal, who haven't managed to defeat them in Europe since October 2015.

Mikel Arteta is aiming for his first victory against Bayern in over ten years, and he has some important calls to make. After Arsenal's win against Tottenham in the North London Derby over the weekend, the short break might require some changes to the lineup.

The good news is that the injury situation is improving, with Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Riccardo Calafiori all fit again. Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus have also returned to training, suggesting they could be involved in the squad.

These returns are a boost, allowing for more rotation, but they also create a selection headache for Arteta. With almost everyone available, some players will have to miss out on the matchday squad.

It looks like we already have a hint of who might be involved against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. In the Arsenal Under-19s' UEFA Youth League game against their German counterparts, there was one notable inclusion and one exclusion.

Max Dowman was in the team, suggesting he won't feature in the later match. The 15-year-old made his Champions League debut against Slavia Prague this season, becoming the youngest player in the competition's history.

However, while Dowman might not play against Bayern Munich, there could be a spot for one of his academy teammates. Andre Harriman-Annous wasn't present for the Under-19s game, meaning he's available for the senior squad.

This seems likely given the lack of striker options available to Arteta. An injury to Viktor Gyokeres before the international break means he's out, and Kai Havertz is still recovering from a knee issue.

While Mikel Merino might be the main No. 9 choice, Harriman-Annous could offer a more natural centre-forward option off the bench. A win for Arsenal could be crucial for their chances of finishing in the top eight and getting to the next stage.

Speaking before the game, Arteta said, "We want to win; we've prepared well, even though it's been a short turnaround." We know how important this match is, we're in a good position, and we want to keep it that way. We know we have a tough game ahead.

COMPLETE PLAYER": MIKEL MERINO HAILS EZE AFTER CRUSHING TOTTENHAM 4-1

Arsenal's Mikel Merino hails "complete" Eberechi Eze after his North London Derby hat-trick, calling him an "unbelievable player" and a "massive signing" who can be a difference-maker in the Premier League title race.

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Merino Says Eze is 'Very Integrated' In Arsenal

Mikel Merino praised Arsenal's Eberechi Eze as complete after his hat-trick in the north London derby. He thinks Eze could be key in the Premier League title chase.

After Liverpool and Manchester City lost on Saturday, Arsenal had a chance to increase their lead, and Eze’s hat trick led to a 4-1 win over Tottenham.

Spurs almost signed Eze from Crystal Palace in August, but Mikel Arteta stepped in. Merino, who's been filling in as a forward, said Eze has fit right into the team, which is aiming for trophies this season.

“He’s very complete. He can dribble and pass,” Merino said.

“In Spain, we grow up playing together, passing, and that’s him. He likes passing and sharing the game, but he can also dribble and is strong.

“He can shoot. He’s really complete, an amazing signing.

“Just meeting him, you see how calm he is.

“He's confident, and we chat in the sauna every morning at the training centre. He’s a nice guy and fits in well. We need players like that.”

Eze had a slow start in north London, with only two goals in his first 15 games, but Merino knew his time would come.

When asked if Eze could make a difference in the title race after recent close calls, Merino noted the club's summer signings, including Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Martin Zubimendi.

Merino added, “We’ve signed many players who can make a difference.

“Everyone focuses on goals and assists now, but as players, we know he brings quality, good movement, and technique.

“You see how good he is in training. Now the goals are coming, but he is an unbelievable player, and we’re lucky to have him. He can play different positions and adapt. It was a big signing for Arsenal.”

Arsenal doesn't have much time to enjoy the win over Tottenham. They face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday and then Chelsea on Saturday.

“It’s great and gives us confidence, but we felt good before the game,” Merino said.

“We know how good we are. It’s a long season, and every game matters. Now we’re thinking about Bayern.”

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