Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is yet to start a Premier League match for Arsenal this season, but that may change after what happened at the start of the international break.
Kai Havertz has been Mikel Arteta's first choice when it comes to the striker role for the Gunners at the start of the 2026/27 campaign, but he may face a spell on the sidelines.
The frontman has withdrawn from Jurgen Klopp's Germany squad after picking up an injury during their 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on Thursday night.
Havertz was forced off just half an hour into the encounter after an incident which involved his Arsenal teammate's brother Quinten Timber. He has returned to England for medical checks with Arsenal for what is understood to me a hamstring muscle strain.
The Gunners have another two weeks before they return to Premier League action, taking on Leeds United on October 10, but if the German has not recovered in time, he is likely to be replaced in the starting lineup by Gyokeres.
While Gyokeres may now get a chance to impress Mikel Arteta, former Tottenham star Chris Waddle believes Arsenal should not have splashed out £63.5million on the Swede,d espite him finishing as the club's top scorer in their title-winning 2025/26 season.
Speaking to Betpack, Waddle said: "I thought Viktor Gyokeres was a surprising buy. I know his goal record at Sporting was fantastic, but let's be honest, there are three main teams in Portugal and normally the top scorer comes out of one of those three.
“It suited him playing at Sporting, they dominated most matches and his goal record was unbelievable, let's be honest.
“People say he puts a shift in, but I just think the Premier League doesn't fully suit him. I'm not saying Arsenal don't dominate, but he just doesn't seem to click.
“Whether it's a confidence thing, he knows English football because he was at Coventry, so it's not like he's new to it. I think if somebody put a decent offer in for him, Arsenal would definitely look at it."
Gyokeres is not the only recent Arsenal signing that has surprised Waddle.
“I think Bruno Guimaraes will do well to keep his shirt in the team," he added.
“He's a good player. Obviously we know how he plays, he carries the ball, brings good energy, and gets around the park. But at Newcastle he was the main man in a way, and he had a lot of confidence and belief.
“He's not guaranteed a starting spot at Arsenal, so that'll be a little bit difficult for him to accept. I'm sure if he gets in and plays the way he can, he'll keep his place, but I thought it was a surprising move for Arsenal to bring him in.
“I think he's a good player, but I wouldn't put him up there as a must-buy. He'll do well to keep a permanent starting shirt at Arsenal. To be the first name picked in midfield alongside Declan Rice and in there with Martin Odegaard, he's going to have to play exceptionally well.”