Arteta Praises 'Amazing Willpower' of 'Gyokeres' for Scoring While Fasting
Arsenal manager praises Gyokeres' willpower and confirms Zubimendi's readiness while temporarily excluding Hincapié.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
London – AFP – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, the English Premier League champions, praised Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, who is going through a difficult spell, commending his “amazing willpower and determination,” as the striker seeks to score his first goal of the season.
The 28-year-old forward did not start in the early stages of the current season and has failed to find the net in any competition, despite his impressive form and regular goal-scoring with the Swedish national team.
Arteta has opted to rely on German international Kai Havertz in attack, while Gyökeres has not started any Premier League matches this season.
Responding to a question before Sunday’s match against Nottingham Forest regarding whether Gyökeres is suffering from a loss of confidence, Arteta said: “That is a very personal question. What I see from the player is incredible willpower and determination, along with great effort to improve and help the team. That’s all there is to it.”
He added: “That is Viktor’s attitude every day, regardless of his position or whether he has scored a goal or not, which is why he remains a viable option for selection.”
Arteta noted that Gyökeres, who scored 21 goals last season upon his arrival at Arsenal, has simply been unlucky not to open his account this season.
He continued: “We are trying to help him as much as possible. He has produced some very good moments.” He clarified: “He has found himself three or four times in front of an empty goal, and the ball should have reached him, but it didn’t.”
On another note, Arteta mentioned that Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi could be ready to face Nottingham, while Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié is likely to miss the trip to the City Ground.
Both players suffered ankle injuries during a training session at the Emirates Stadium, following the team’s victory over Leeds United last week.
Arteta said: “Piero’s condition is improving very well. I am confident it will not take long. However, he will probably need an extra week or two. Zubimendi appears to be in much better shape; his condition was very good.”
