Arsenal wait nervously as Viktor Gyokeres could miss major summer boost Mikel Arteta knows about

Viktor Gyokeres' involvement in a Sweden World Cup qualifier has several ramifications for the player and Arsenal

Arsenal are in a difficult position when it comes to Viktor Gyokeres’ participation for Sweden during the international break. Unlike several other Gunners players, the striker has not pulled out of action for Graham Potter’s side.

William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard and Jurrien Timber have all returned to the Sobha Realty Training Centre despite call-ups from their respective nations due to varying fitness concerns. Eze, for example, has a more significant issue that could see him miss several weeks due to a calf injury suffered last week.

For Gyokeres, it is imperative for Sweden that the striker is involved. Alexander Isak remains out after suffering a serious leg injury, and the Arsenal summer signing is their best hope for goals.

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While most nations are playing friendlies, Sweden have a huge game against Ukraine. Both nations are yet to qualify for the summer’s tournament, and the winner of this will go through to a final match where they will face the winner of Poland and Albania.

Sweden have an advantage of playing in Sweden should they make it past Ukraine for the final round of qualifying. Due to the conflict in Ukraine, the match between the two nations is being held at Levante’s stadium in Valencia.

For the Gunners, obviously, they will be wishing Gyokeres all the best. Should he be the difference, score plenty of goals and find some form, it could be hugely valuable for Arsenal in the run-in after what has been a tough season despite still bagging 16 goals as the club’s top scorer.

Many put his early struggles down to a lack of pre-season, having joined Arsenal only in time for their final match of the tour, where he came on as a late substitute against Tottenham. He then featured and scored against Athletic Club in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking in December, Arteta made reference to the lack of summer preparation with his side. He said: "We have to put him [Gyökeres] in the best possible condition to explode and fulfil his potential.

"Before the injury, he was in a great place. It took him a while at the beginning because it's a different league with different demands.

"He had no pre-season, and now he's starting to get some momentum, but the thing that's going to unlock him is goals. He needs that for himself, for his confidence, and we're going to judge his performances based on that as well. That's logical, but he wants it so badly as well."

Should Sweden fail to qualify for the World Cup, Gyokeres would be able to join up with Arsenal earlier and enjoy a full summer preparation ahead of the 2026/27. Therefore, there is also a significant benefit for the player and the club despite it coming at the cost of involvement in the summer competition.