Arsenal frontman Viktor Gyokeres is set to play a vital role for Sweden in their World Cup qualification play-off semi-final against Ukraine in March
17:02, 25 Feb 2026
Sweden boss Graham Potter
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Sweden boss Graham Potter has been speaking about Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres
Sweden boss Graham Potter claims he has nothing to say to Mikel Arteta where Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal playing time is concerned.
The former Chelsea and West Ham head coach has been speaking ahead of his team's World Cup play-off against Ukraine next month.
But it appears he has no qualms with Gyokeres' minutes at Arsenal with the striker in red-hot form in front of goal following his brilliant brace to down Tottenham last weekend.
When asked by a journalist whether he had anything to say to Arteta about his centre-forward's minutes, Potter replied humorously: "I don’t think he’ll be particularly interested in what I have to say, to be honest. I don’t blame him. I think he has a lot on his mind."
Gyokeres is now Arsenal's top goalscorer this season after hitting the back of the net 15 times in all competitions.
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Potter was rather impressed by the 27-year-old's double against Spurs. He said of the brace: "It was very good for him. I think it highlights his character and personality,’ Sweden manager Potter told Sportbladet following Gyokeres’ double in the north London derby.
"From my perspective, there is no doubt about Viktor. He is a top player, a top person. I think he has contributed to where Arsenal are as a team in all four competitions.
"Every player sometimes goes through a period where they get a bit of criticism. That’s part of the job."
Despite receiving his fair share of criticism, the former Coventry City attacker has silenced his critics in recent weeks.
Gyokeres now has 10 goal contributions across all competitions in 2026, no Premier League player has more.
Viktor Gyokeres scored twice for Arsenal in the North London Derby
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Viktor Gyokeres netted twice for Arsenal against Tottenham(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
In an ideal world, Potter will be able to pair the Arsenal frontman with Liverpool's Alexander Isak against Ukraine next month.
Isak has been missing since he fractured his leg after scoring in the Reds' 2-1 win at Tottenham in December.
The Liverpool man, signed for £125million from Newcastle last summer, has mustered just one more international goal than his team-mate.
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The Premier League duo could well prove imperative to Sweden's last remaining shot at World Cup qualification following a dismal qualifying campaign.
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