Mikel Arteta updates on Viktor Gyokeres head injury after Arsenal beat Athletic Bilbao

Viktor Gyokeres was sporting a black bandage after his head clash (Getty)

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Viktor Gyokeres was not forced off because of his head injury during Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Gyokeres clashed heads with Arsenal centre-back Gabriel in the first half at San Mames and required medical attention after he suffered a cut to the back of his head.

The Sweden international, who was signed in a £64 million deal from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window, was able to play on with the help of a bandage around his head.

However, the striker was replaced in the 65th minute by Leandro Trossard, who scored Arsenal’s second goal late on after he set up Gabriel Martinelli for the opener.

Speaking after the match, Arteta was asked if Gyokeres was replaced due to his injury.

‘It was because we wanted to change certain things,’ Arteta told Viaplay.

Viktor Gyokeres suffered a cut to the back of his head after his clash with Arsenal teammate Gabriel (Getty)

‘He’s played a lot of minutes as well, my feeling was we needed fresh men.

‘I think they had very clear references, especially when we were in ball possession and Leo brings something very, very different to that, Martinelli as well, because the game was really starting to open up, they had a really high line in certain moments and hopefully we could exploit it.’

Asked about the early impression Gyokeres has made at Arsenal, Arteta replied: ‘Very good.

‘Personally, an exceptional character, and then as a player he brings another level to what we’ve been having, and a lot of threat.’

When asked about the condition of Gyokeres and Mikel Merino, who also suffered a clash of heads in the win against Bilbao, Arteta said in his post-match press conference: ‘I think they are good. I haven’t spoken to them but I think they’re all good.’

Arsenal are due to host Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in their next Premier League game on Sunday.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Comments