Victor Gyokerez is set to make his first start of the Premier League season when Arsenal take on Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta was told there was “no better time” to hand Victor Gyokeres his first start of the Premier League season. When Arsenal take on Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the 28-year-old striker could lead the line with Kai Havertz facing some doubt.
The 27-year-old forward collapsed after being knee-high by Quinten Timber during last week’s UEFA Nations League clash with the Netherlands. Havertz was only injured on impact, but the German Football Association later announced that he had suffered a “muscle strain”.
He then left Jurgen Klopp’s squad and returned to the Sobha Realty Training Center for further trials. The Gunners boss was asked for an update when he spoke to reporters on Friday afternoon, during which time Havertz claimed he would undergo a late fitness test.
With the former Chelsea star potentially unavailable, Gokeres could finally make his first start of the Premier League season. Paul Dickov has urged Arteta to roll the dice, backing the Sweden international to prove his quality.
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“I think Gokeres has a future with Arsenal,” said the former Arsenal striker. “Last season, a lot of people asked him whether he would be a 20-goal scorer.
“And even if he didn’t play all the time, he hit that mark in all competitions. He was maybe a little bit unhappy with the form of Kai Haverts at the start of the season because I think Kai looked really good in that kind of false role that he played.
“Kai is big, he’s strong, he’s quick, he’s got great movement. And until the Brighton game, Arsenal were winning games with Kai in that shape.
“If what I’m reading is correct, Kai Havertz is injured on international duty, so he might not play against Leeds. It might be an ideal time to put Victor in there.
“There’s no better time than when he’s got a lot of confidence after scoring in four games for his country and then going back to his club to build on that. It could be a great opportunity to get him back into the first team.”
Qokeres made an excellent impression during the international break. The Swede has scored in each of his country’s four Nations League games, winning three and drawing one.
He also scored in each of his two meetings with Leeds United last season, leading Arsenal to a 5-0 win at the Emirates Stadium and a 4-0 win at Elland Road. If given the opportunity, Gyokeres will be desperate to pick up where he left off.
Paul Dickov was speaking exclusively to 247Bet.