There have been different comments about Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres. It was being informed privately that he was “too heavy” to adjust fully to the Premier League. His coach, however, threw a curveball and indicated that his injury had taken an unfortunate turn. These statements have ignited fierce arguments. However, when one goes deeper into the stories, he finds out that the ground below is far from what the statements suggest.
The Real Situation of Viktor Gyokeres
Several media have reported (with a story similar to the one of Mirror Online) that Viktor Gyökeres was ridiculed for his physique. It was mentioned that Viktor Gyokeres needs to lose some weight in order to perform well at Arsenal. Those publications published the words of ex-Sweden international Stefan Schwarz about Viktor Gyokeres.
According to Tribuna, he stated “he’s a heavy player. I think he will get a little lighter because he is a heavy player.” The former player’s mouth is pretty loud but at the same time, they are only his perspective. One should also keep in mind that these remarks have nothing to do with the inside of the Arsenal coaching or management team.
His trouble with a Muscle
On the other side, Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta has raised the concern of a muscle problem in Gyökeres. Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres, who had to leave at halftime during the Gunners’ 2-0 triumph over Burnley, will not participate in the next game. Mikel Arteta disclosed after the match.
Arteta, speaking after the game, hinted that the player would not be able to feature in the club’s next match. Arteta admitted that the club needed to do more tests and scans to better understand the injury’s extent. These remarks are precautionary ones. These are not confirmation of a relapse.
Latest Update
In the case that someone would ask if Arsenal “leaked” Gyökeres relapse, then the response would be a clear negative. As of now, neither Arteta nor the club have given any public confirmation of a setback for Gyökeres. The manager, on the other hand, only referred to “concern” and the need for further investigation.
Apart from the tough realities, some positive rumors are also circulating inside the club. It is reported that some members of the Arsenal coaching staff are convinced that Gyökeres has reached a “new level” in his performance. In their view, it will not only enable him to create space but also to accelerate the team’s offensive play. It is the disregard of the possible criticism that he is facing to be the only one who is still considered a core member of Arteta’s plan of the future.
Moreover, the context of the Gyökeres move should not be overlooked. The Gunners signed him from Sporting for around 63.5 million euros, with a few add-ons that could increase the price depending on the performer. Such a tag puts a lot of expectations on the player – and, naturally, he would feel the pressure.
To sum up:
Weight Criticism: Precisely, one of the former players (Stefan Schwarz) remarked on Gyökeres being “heavy”. But there is no confirmation that Arteta or the club’s staff used the same words internally.
Injury “Relapse”: Arteta is troubled with a muscle issue, has requested more tests, but no relapse has been made known publicly.
Club View: There are indications of both – Gyökeres could be the center of attention, yet the coaching staff also sees him as the key to Arsenal’s attacking play.
Author’s Insight
According to the facts presented, a dramatic “leak” followed by a full-blown relapse is questionable. A better depiction would be that Gyökeres is feeling the pressure. He is being targeted not only in terms of his physique but also his performance. However, Arsenal still seem to be on his side.
