Graham Potter tells Viktor Gyokeres what he wants to hear as Arsenal struggles continue

Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Sweden boss Graham Potter has backed Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres and believes the upcoming international break will help the striker. Gyokeres has been restricted to a place on the bench for the majority of the season so far but will join his country’s squad for the Nations League matches over the next few weeks.

The extended international break will begin from Monday, with Arsenal not having a competitive match for three weeks, with several members of their squad already called up by their respective national teams.

Gyokeres has started only two matches for Arsenal this season, neither in the Premier League, and the 28-year-old is yet to score his first goal of the campaign.

The striker’s only minutes in the Premier League came as a late substitute in the 2-1 win over Chelsea earlier this month, with Kai Havertz often getting the nod.

Potter, who was named manager of Sweden earlier this year, has backed Gyokeres to flourish when the Arsenal striker links up with his international teammates.

“Things happen. Things go up and down, just like life does,” Potter told reporters. “He’s a Premier League winner. He scored a lot of goals as a number nine for Arsenal.

“He was incredible in World Cup qualifying and had a great World Cup as well. Players at this level will always get criticism at some point. But there is no problem here.’

The Sweden boss added: “We love Viktor. He enjoys being here. We will create the best conditions for him so that he can continue to be a top player.”

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“Like I said, it’s part of a footballer’s life,” Potter continued.

“Things can happen quickly and we just have to deal with it. Sometimes a change of scenery can help a player.

“We’re all looking forward to having Viktor with us. We’re going to help him enjoy his football.”

Sweden will face Romania and Poland on home soil in their opening two matches of the Nations League later this month, before going on away trips to Bosnia & Herzegovina (October 2), as well as Romania (October 5), to conclude the international break.

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