Gyokeres or Merino? Arteta's striker dilemma for Leeds clash

Credit: Getty Images

Viktor Gyokeres returns from international duty with real momentum, scoring four goals in four matches for Sweden during the break. That form arrives at a timely moment for Mikel Arteta, with Kai Havertz now sidelined after picking up a hamstring injury on Germany duty.

Havertz's injury is not believed to be serious, though no firm recovery timeframe has yet been given. His absence opens the door for Gyokeres to start up front when Arsenal host Leeds on Saturday, a fixture he scored three times in last season while at Sporting CP, as reported by the Evening Standard.

Gyokeres had endured a difficult start to the season at club level, with little to point to from his early performances for Arsenal. His exploits with Sweden represent a sharp change in fortunes, and a fixture against Leeds, a side he has scored freely against before, offers an opportunity to carry that confidence into the Premier League.

Merino's case to start

Mikel Merino presents Arteta with an alternative. The Spaniard scored twice as a substitute in Spain's comeback win over Croatia, finishing the international break with three goals in four appearances.

Merino has shown before that he can lead the line effectively, having filled in as an auxiliary striker during an injury crisis last season. In a month of Premier League starts in that role, he contributed two goals and three assists across five matches, including an assist against Tottenham and a goal away at Chelsea.

Where Merino differs from Gyokeres is in how he operates within the attack. He tends to act more as a link player, combining with teammates around him, rather than functioning as a out-and-out focal point in the way Gyokeres is built to do.

A fresh selection dilemma

Arteta now faces a decision that has echoes of earlier selection puzzles from last season, only this time shaped by international form rather than a squad injury crisis. Havertz's setback forces a change regardless, but the question of who replaces him is not straightforward.

Given how Gyokeres has performed for Sweden, it would be a surprise if Arteta did not turn to him against Leeds. A continued absence from the starting lineup despite that form would only fuel suggestions that his time at Arsenal has not gone to plan since his move from Sporting.

Saturday's match against Leeds should provide an early indication of how Arteta intends to use his options up front in Havertz's absence, with Gyokeres given the chance to translate his international form into Premier League output.