Arsenal news: Viktor Gyokeres told he’s too heavy as manager leaks striker’s ‘relapse’
Mirror Football brings you the latest Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta’s Gunners prepare for the north London derby
Following the international break, Arsenal will now focus entirely on the first North London derby of the season. Before the break, the Gunners were in astonishing form, having gone eight straight games without conceding a goal before a disappointing 2-2 draw at Sunderland.
Mikel Arteta hopes the two-week break has not disrupted their momentum after his side managed to build a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Tottenham are expected to present a stiff challenge when they visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, although they have struggled in N5 in recent years.
The biggest challenge for Arsenal will be dealing with their long injury list, which has grown further after recent international matches. Now, before the tantalizing derby, Mirror football takes stock of the latest news around the Gunners.
LEARN MORE: Viktor Gyokeres says he is ‘not world class’ and could be ‘just an average player’ at ArsenalLEARN MORE: Kai Havertz injury setback confirmed as Arsenal secure new return date for striker
Gyokeres “too heavy”
Stefan Schwarz has urged Viktor Gyokeres to lose weight in order to excel in the Premier League. Despite Gyokeres’ six goals in 14 appearances for the Gunners since his £64 million summer move, his performances have at times lacked the flair and pace associated with a top Arsenal striker.
He would have been frustrated to injure his hamstring at Burnley on November 1 given it was arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt, and he is a doubt to face Spurs this weekend. But former Arsenal midfielder and compatriot Schwarz believes Gyokeres can still move up a level by becoming lighter and quicker.
“I think with Viktor Gyokeres he is not completely fit yet,” he said. “Also, with the new system, new manager and new teammates, it takes time to develop understanding. It’s not just the physical part, it’s also the mental part.
“The mental fatigue may be due to adapting to a new club, new expectations and higher expectations from fans around the world. But it’s a good partnership (Gyokeres and Arsenal). And I hope it benefits Sweden and Graham Potter.”
He added bluntly: “Sometimes the dog that barks the loudest isn’t always the loudest. I think it’s just the Premier League players. They’re more powerful players, faster players.
“The strikers will always be counted on for the goals they score. Hopefully he will start creating and scoring goals, getting a good run, getting that real boost and becoming a bit lighter because he is a heavy player. I think that would help.”
Havertz update given
Kai Havertz was extremely unlucky to miss the first three months of the season with a knee injury. The German, who has not played since the opening weekend of the campaign, will also miss Spurs’ visit to the Emirates.
The 26-year-old is expected to return towards the end of the year, according to German national team manager Julian Nagelsmann. Nagelsmann also revealed that Havertz, who had previously undergone minor surgery, suffered a “minor relapse” at one point.
Speaking after Germany ended their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 6-0 victory over Slovakia, the coach explained: “Kai had a bit of a relapse with his injury, but overall he’s doing well. If all goes well he’ll be able to play again towards the end of the year.”
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