'Most dominant player in the air'- Slavia coach laments Igoh Ogbu's absence ahead of Arsenal clash

Slavia Prague head coach Jindřich Trpišovský has voiced his disappointment over the absence of Igoh Ogbu ahead of the UEFA Champions League showdown with Arsenal, admitting that his side will miss their most commanding presence in aerial duels.

The Nigeria international central defender has been sidelined since August 30, 2025, due to a persistent hamstring injury and has yet to feature for club or country since then.

Last season, only towering 6ft 6in striker Tomáš Chorý won more aerial duels than Ogbu in the Slavia Prague squad.

His absence could therefore prove pivotal against an Arsenal side renowned for their strength from set-pieces.

The Gunners' aerial dominance has been reflected in the numbers, with 12 of their 18 league goals this season coming from dead-ball situations, more than any other Premier League side and the highest ratio ever recorded in a single campaign.

Trpišovský was full of praise for Arsenal's set-piece prowess and acknowledged that his team will face a stern examination in that department.

Speaking at Monday's press conference, Trpisovsky said: "Because we lack enough players, you don't have as many opportunities to play with the formation. 

"If Igoh Ogbu, the most dominant player in the air, were there, it would be different. Arsenal's set-pieces are absolutely perfect. I've never seen anything like it.

"They combine strength, height, timing, heading, but especially Declan's execution, it's simply fantastic."

Although Ogbu is unavailable for selection, there will still be Nigerian representation in the contest, with teammate David Moses and Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri both expected to be named in their respective matchday squads on Tuesday evening.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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