Arsenal manager Arteta praises ‘incredible will’ of struggling Gyokeres

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has commended Viktor Gyokeres’ work ethic and resolve as the striker looks to score for the first time this season. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke highly of striker Viktor Gyokeres on Friday, commending the forward’s “incredible will and determination” as he continues his search for a first goal of the campaign for the Premier League champion.

The 28-year-old has played a limited role so far this season and remains without a goal in any competition, even though he has scored regularly for Sweden.

Arteta has preferred Germany international Kai Havertz as his main striker, meaning Gyokeres has yet to start a league match this term.

Ahead of Sunday’s fixture at Nottingham Forest, the Spanish manager was questioned on whether Gyokeres was lacking confidence.

“That’s a very personal question,” replied Arteta. “I think what he transmits is an incredible will and determination and work-rate to improve and help the team, that’s it.

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“That’s Viktor every single day, regardless of his position, whether he scores a goal or not, and that’s why he’s always an option to play.”

Arteta said Gyokeres, who netted 21 times in his first season with the club in 2025-26, had been unfortunate not to have scored yet this campaign.

“We are trying to help him as much as possible. He has some very good moments,” he added.

“He’s three or four times in front of goal with no keeper, and the ball should arrive to him, and it doesn’t.

“It’s very small margins,” insisted Arteta. “Scoring or not scoring changes the narrative.”

Arteta said midfielder Martin Zubimendi may be available for the Forest game, though defender Piero Hincapie is likely to miss the journey to the City Ground.

Both players picked up unusual ankle injuries in a training session on the Emirates Stadium pitch following last week’s victory over Leeds.

“Piero is evolving really well,” said Arteta. “Knowing his character and the way he pushes everybody, I’m sure it’s not going to take long, but he will probably need another week or two.

“Zubi looks much better, he already looked much better today. We have another session tomorrow (Saturday), and after that we will assess whether he’s available to play against Forest.”

Arsenal sits in second place in the Premier League, trailing Manchester City by three points.