Arsenal's formidable start to the 2025/2026 season faces a stern test as they travel to the Fortuna Arena in Prague for a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Slavia Prague on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, kicking off at 8:45 PM EAT. Manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with a significant injury crisis, potentially missing up to eight first-team players, which could impact the team's performance and has caused concern among its large Kenyan fanbase.

Extensive Injury List Tests Squad Depth

The list of absentees is extensive and features several key figures. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi is definitively out due to a suspension after accumulating three yellow cards in the competition. He is joined on the sidelines by a host of injured players who were absent from the final training session on Monday before the team's departure.

The most recent casualty is star striker Viktor Gyokeres, who was substituted at halftime during the 2-0 Premier League victory over Burnley on Saturday, 1 November, after complaining of a muscular issue. Arteta confirmed Gyokeres's unavailability in a pre-match press conference on Monday, stating, "He is definitely not available, he hasn't trained today. We need to do some more tests and scans in the next few days to understand the extent of the injury." The manager expressed his concern, noting the player's explosive style and lack of a history of muscular problems.

Other key players confirmed to be unavailable include forwards Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as midfielders Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke, all suffering from various injuries, primarily knee-related. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is also listed as a doubt.

Implications for Arsenal's European Campaign

The injuries come at a critical time for the Gunners. They have enjoyed a perfect start to their Champions League campaign, securing maximum points from their first three matches without conceding a goal, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Atlético Madrid. This impressive run has positioned them as one of the competition's favourites. However, the depleted squad will test the depth Arteta sought to build with summer signings.

In the absence of recognized strikers like Gyokeres and Jesus, Arteta may be forced to deploy players like Mikel Merino or Leandro Trossard in a central attacking role. The midfield will also see changes, with Christian Norgaard expected to replace the suspended Zubimendi. Young talents such as Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman, and Andre Harriman-Annous have been included in the travelling squad, potentially offering them a chance on the European stage.

Kenyan Connection and Global Following

Arsenal commands a massive and dedicated following in Kenya, arguably one of the most popular Premier League clubs in the nation. The English Premier League is intensely followed across the country, with fans gathering in pubs and homes for every match. President William Ruto himself is a declared Arsenal supporter, recently noting the club's resurgence. Official supporters' clubs, such as Arsenal Kenya, have a significant presence with branches across the country, engaging in community and charity events. The injury news will be closely monitored by these fans, who are passionate about the team's pursuit of major trophies after several seasons of finishing as Premier League runners-up.

Slavia Prague, unbeaten at home this season, will present a tough challenge. While they are yet to secure a win in this season's Champions League, their strong defensive record—keeping five successive clean sheets in all competitions—cannot be underestimated. Historically, Arsenal has a strong record against Czech teams, remaining unbeaten in ten encounters. The last time these two sides met at the Fortuna Arena was in the 2020-21 Europa League, where Arsenal secured a convincing 4-0 victory.