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National team boss defends Arsenal player after call-up

Viktor Gyokeres has been named in Sweden’s squad for the upcoming international break, and Graham Potter has insisted he’s not worried about the striker’s club form.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal during the during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium on August 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Sweden confirmed their squad for the September-October international break on Wednesday, and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres was included on the list as expected.

Gyokeres hasn’t found minutes easy to come by in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign so far, with Kai Havertz seemingly the first-choice starter for Mikel Arteta. But he remains a key player for his country, and there was never much doubt he’d be called up.

When asked about Gyokeres’ recent struggles with Arsenal, Sweden boss Graham Potter suggested he didn’t think it was a big problem.

Chelsea's English head coach Graham Potter attends a team training session at Chelsea's Cobham training facility in Stoke D'Abernon, southwest of London on February 14, 2023 on the eve of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match against Borussia Dortmund. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

“Things happen. Things go up and down, just like life does,” Potter said. “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. We’re all looking forward to having Viktor with us. We’re going to help him enjoy his football.”

Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal is pictured during the pre game warm up before the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Real Betis Balompie at Aviva Stadium on August 5, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

In a way, the international break is coming at a good time for Gyokeres. After Saturday’s game away to Brighton, he’ll have two weeks and four matches with Sweden, in which he’s likely to be a key starter.

It’s been difficult for the 28-year-old to build up much momentum with Arsenal, but he has the chance to do so on international duty.

Even just getting off the mark with his goalscoring would be a boost, given he’s yet to score for the Gunners in 2026/27. Given his 21 goals in 37 games for Sweden, it would be a surprise if he didn’t score in the next four.

Sweden are set to face Romania (H, Sep 25th), Poland (H, Sep 28th), Bosnia & Herzegovina (A, Oct 2nd), and Romania (A, Oct 5th) in a batch of Nations League fixtures over the break. Gyokeres will then return to Arsenal for a game at home to Leeds on October 10th.

Viktor Gyokeres #17 of Sweden looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Sweden and Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
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