Arsenal's injured striker Viktor Gyokeres has been sent a brutal messages ahead of the Premier League leaders' clash with Tottenham in the North London derby
06:55, 20 Nov 2025Updated 07:07, 20 Nov 2025
Viktor Gyokeres has been sent a brutal message
View 4 Images
Viktor Gyokeres has been sent a brutal message(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal's full focus will now shift towards the first North London derby of the season after the international break.
The Gunners prior to the break were on an astonishing run of form, having gone eight consecutive games without conceding a goal before a disappointing 2-2 draw at Sunderland. Mikel Arteta will hope the two week break won't have 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 provide a tough challenge when they visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, though they have struggled in N5 in recent years. The biggest challenge for Arsenal will be coping with their lengthy injury list, which has grown even longer following the recent internationals.
Here's all the latest news from the Emirates.
Gyokeres 'too heavy'
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal
View 4 Images
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal(Image: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Stefan Schwarz has urged Viktor Gyokeres to shed 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 sometimes lacked the flair and pace associated with a top Arsenal striker, reports the Mirror.
The striker would have felt gutted picking up a hamstring problem at Burnley on November 1, especially as it came after what was arguably his finest display in an Arsenal jersey - and he's now a major doubt for this weekend's clash with Spurs.
But former Arsenal midfielder and fellow countryman Schwarz reckons Gyokeres can still step up another gear by shedding some weight and gaining pace.
He said: "I believe with Viktor Gyokeres, he's not fully fit yet. As well with the new system, new manager, and new team-mates, it takes time to develop the understanding. It's not just the physical part of it, it's the mental part as well.
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal
View 4 Images
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
"Mental tiredness may be from adapting to a new club, new expectations, and higher expectations from supporters around the whole world. But it's a good partnership [Gyokeres and Arsenal]. And hopefully it will benefit Sweden for sure and Graham Potter."
He then delivered a harsh assessment, adding: "Sometimes the dog who barks loudest is not always the strongest. I think it's just the players in the Premier League. They are more powerful players, faster players.
"The strikers will always be counted on for the goals that they are scoring. Hopefully, he'll start to create and score goals, have a good run, get that real boost, and get a bit lighter because he's a heavy player. I think that would help."
Havertz update given
Kai Havertz of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England
View 4 Images
Kai Havertz suffered an injury setback(Image: 2025 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
Kai Havertz has endured rotten luck after being sidelined for the opening three months of the campaign with a knee problem.
The German star, who hasn't featured since the season's opening weekend, will also be absent when Spurs rock up to the Emirates.
The 26-year-old is anticipated to make his comeback towards the year's end, according to German national team boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Article continues below
Nagelsmann also disclosed that Havertz, who went under the knife for a minor operation earlier, experienced a 'minor setback' at some stage.
Following Germany's comprehensive 6–0 thrashing of Slovakia to seal their World Cup qualifying spot, the manager explained: "Kai had a small relapse on his injury, but overall, he's doing well.
"If all goes well, he can play again towards the end of the year."