Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta on Friday praised struggling Viktor Gyokeres for his “incredible will and determination” because the striker hunts his first objective of the season for the Premier League champions.
The 28-year-old forward has been a fringe participant within the early levels of the present marketing campaign and is but to attain in any competitors regardless of netting freely for Sweden.
Arteta has most well-liked Germany worldwide Kai Havertz up entrance, that means Gyokeres has not began a single Premier League recreation up to now this time period.
The Spanish supervisor was requested forward of Sunday’s match at Nottingham Forest whether or not Gyokeres was struggling together with his confidence.
“That’s a very personal question,” replied Arteta. “I think what he transmits is an incredible will and determination and work-rate to improve and help the team, that’s it.
“That’s Viktor each single day, regardless of his place, whether or not he scores a objective or not, and that is why he is at all times an choice to play.”
Arteta said Gyokeres, who scored 21 goals in his debut season for the club in 2025/26, had been unlucky not to have opened his account this season.
“We try to assist him as a lot as doable. He has some excellent moments,” he added.
“He’s three or 4 occasions in entrance of objective with no keeper, and the ball ought to arrive to him, and it would not.
“It’s very small margins,” insisted Arteta. “Scoring or not scoring changes the narrative.”
Arteta stated midfielder Martin Zubimendi might be match to face Forest, however defender Piero Hincapie would seemingly miss the journey to the City Ground.
The pair suffered freak ankle accidents throughout a coaching session on the Emirates Stadium pitch after final week’s win towards Leeds.
“Piero is evolving really well,” stated Arteta. “Knowing his character and the way he pushes everybody, I’m sure it’s not going to take long, but he will probably need another week or two.
“Zubi seems a lot better, he already regarded a lot better at this time. We have one other session tomorrow (Saturday), and after that we’ll assess whether or not he is out there to play towards Forest.”
Arsenal are second within the Premier League, three factors behind Manchester City.
English Premier League
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