Arsenal face Slavia Prague in Tuesday’s Champions League clash at the Fortuna Arena.
Ahead of the game, the Gunners will be without one of their main players upfront.
Viktor Gyokeres picked up a muscle injury against Burnley in the Premier League last weekend. The 27-year-old was replaced by Mikel Merino at half-time.
The Sweden international did not return to training in Monday’s session, and has not travelled with the team to Prague, as per manager Mikel Arteta’s update.
In his absence, it seems a no-brainer decision to start Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, given his physical presence and effective hold-up play.
Academy striker Andre Harriman-Annous also trained with the first-team earlier today. He has travelled with the squad for the Champions League clash.
The 17-year-old made a surprise full debut against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup fourth round, but may not start on Tuesday as Arteta may rely on experience.
Merino, described as ‘really dangerous‘ by Arteta, had good success as a number nine during the second half of last season. He chipped in with six goals and three assists in the role between February and May.
The Spaniard has made just one start as a striker this term, but he looks poised to lead the attack with Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus out.
Leandro Trossard is another solution for Arteta upfront, but the manager tends to prefer a focal point in attack. Trossard has won just 0.5 aerials per game this season.
Hence, Merino appears the likely candidate to lead the line for the Gunners against Slavia. There is a good possibility that he could keep his starting spot against Sunderland too.
Arteta has admitted his concern over Gyokeres’ setback. He may not be fit for Saturday’s league game.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
