Graham Potter used Sweden's squad announcement in Solna on Wednesday to back Viktor Gyökeres after his slow start at Arsenal. Gyokeres has managed just one 12-minute cameo in the opening four Premier League fixtures, and Potter said the striker can use Sweden as a reset point while the noise around him builds.

Potter's message in Solna

Potter did not try to dress up the situation. Speaking at the squad announcement, he said: "Things happen. It goes up and down, just like it does in life. He is a Premier League winner. He scored many goals as a number nine for Arsenal. He was incredible in the qualifiers and also had a good World Cup"

He added: "Players at this level will always get criticism at some point. But there is no problem here. We love Viktor. He enjoys being here. We will create the best conditions for him so that he can continue to be a top player"

That is where Sweden comes in. Potter also said: "Sometimes a change of environment can help a player, and we all look forward to having Viktor with us. We will help him enjoy his football"

Arsenal's limited use of Gyokeres

The club side of the story is harder to ignore. Gyokeres has played only 29 Premier League minutes this season, across two league appearances, and five in all competitions. He is still without a Premier League goal, while Kai Havertz has established himself as Arsenal's preferred option up front.

That does not mean the conversation is settled. One set of reports still points to a bright first season at Arsenal, including claims of 14 Premier League goals and 21 in all competitions. The more immediate evidence in this season is the simpler one, though, and it is the one Potter was addressing in Solna: Gyokeres is not getting the minutes that normally keep a striker settled.

Potter's argument is a straightforward one, and it fits the moment. Sweden will not solve Arsenal's selection problem, but it may give Gyokeres a cleaner run of football before he goes back to club duty.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →