Havertz injury doubt could open door for Gyokeres start vs Leeds

Credit: Getty Images

Viktor Gyokeres could be about to get the nod he's been waiting for. With Kai Havertz emerging as a doubt for Arsenal's clash with Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, the Swedish striker looks set to make his first Premier League start of the season.

Havertz picked up a knock during Germany's UEFA Nations League clash with the Netherlands last week, following a knee-high challenge from Quinten Timber. Initial fears centred on an impact injury, but the German Football Association later confirmed he had suffered a muscle strain. He withdrew from Jurgen Klopp's squad and returned to the Sobha Realty Training Centre for further assessment.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mikel Arteta confirmed Havertz will undergo a late fitness test ahead of the Leeds fixture, leaving his availability in doubt right up until matchday.

Dickov backs Arteta to turn to Gyokeres

Former Arsenal striker Paul Dickov believes there has rarely been a better moment to hand Gyokeres his chance in the starting XI. Speaking exclusively to 247Bet, Dickov pointed to the striker's record last season and his red-hot form over the international break as reasons to trust him.

"I do think Gyokeres has a future with Arsenal," said Dickov. "A lot of people questioned him last season as well, about whether he was going to be that 20-goal-a-season man. And even without playing all the time, he hit that mark in all competitions. He's maybe been slightly unfortunate with Kai Havertz's form at the start of the season, because I do think Kai's looked really good in that sort of false role that he plays."

Dickov acknowledged Havertz's impact in that false-nine role this season but suggested the German's possible absence presents a natural opening. "If what I'm reading is true, Kai Havertz has picked up an injury on international duty, so he might not play against Leeds. This could be the ideal time to put Viktor in there," he said. "There's no better time to come in than when your confidence is high after scoring in four games for your country and then coming back to your club to carry it on. It could be a great opportunity to get him back in the starting line-up."

Gyokeres arrives in form

Gyokeres enjoyed a productive international break, scoring in all four of Sweden's Nations League matches as they won three and drew one. He also has a strong record against Saturday's opponents, having scored in both meetings with Leeds last season — a 5-0 win at the Emirates Stadium and a 4-0 victory at Elland Road.

Should Havertz fail his fitness test, Gyokeres will get the opportunity to carry that scoring form into his first Premier League start of the campaign, with Leeds representing familiar territory for the Swede.