Match Coverage

Surprise Arsenal player may have just volunteered to replace Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal after injury scare

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Viktor Gyokeres may have suffered an injury during Arsenal’s win over Burnley.

The Gunners dominated the Clarets at Turf Moor and convincingly won the game 2-0 thanks to goals from the Swede and Declan Rice.

Gyokeres was absolutely unbelievable in that first half, but unfortunately for him, he was withdrawn at the break due to an injury scare.

That is a worry for Arsenal, but a surprise player may have just thrown his hat in the ring to replace him – Rice.

Declan Rice says he was like a ‘traditional number nine’ during Burnley vs Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres has been Arsenal’s main man up top since the start of the season.

The Swede has been improving every game, and his goal against Burnley was his sixth of the season. That is not a bad return at all.

However, after the win, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Gyokeres felt a muscular issue, which is why he was replaced at half-time.

Mikel Merino took his place up front, and the Spaniard is the main candidate to take his place if injury keeps him out of the side.

However, Rice may have just volunteered to play in that role.

Speaking on Premier League Productions after the game, the midfielder said: “I think, if you look at the goal, we’re defending a long throw in line with our 18-yard box, Gabriel wins the header, we all break.

“Lucky enough, I keep running, it’s a great header, a traditional number nine header, I’m buzzing.”

Arsenal's English midfielder #41 Declan Rice celebrates on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Arsenal.
Photo by PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images

Arsenal’s options to replace Viktor Gyokeres if his injury is serious

When everyone is fit and available, Arsenal can easily do without Gyokeres for a few games if he has suffered an injury.

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli can all play up top, but the three attackers are currently out with their own injuries.

That leaves Merino, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri, who Arteta has said can play as a striker, available for selection in the coming games.

Arsenal fans have even tipped Riccardo Calafiori to play as a striker, which would be a very interesting option.

Rice may feel he can do a job, but we think Merino will be the one who gets the nod if Gyokeres is unavailable for the next game.