Sweden boss defends Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres against 'ignorant' critics
Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has hit back at those who have been critical of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres' recent form.
Mikel Arteta's side return to action in the lunchtime kick-off at the Emirates Stadium after the international break, looking to respond to their 1-0 defeat at Liverpool. That loss stalled their strong early momentum, which had included a hard-fought win at Manchester United and a 5-0 demolition of Leeds.
Bukayo Saka remains unavailable with a hamstring injury, while William Saliba is also expected to miss out after suffering an ankle problem in the warm-up at Anfield.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are still sidelined, limiting Arsenal's attacking options.
However, the sight of Ben White, Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie back in full training has boosted Arteta's selection choices. White, who had missed the last two matches with a knock, is pushing for a return. Norgaard, signed from Brentford in the summer for ten million pounds, has yet to make his competitive debut but could be in contention after recovering from injury.
Hincapie, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with an option to buy for forty-five million pounds, is also available despite a demanding international schedule that saw him play both of Ecuador's 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Captain Martin Odegaard has confirmed he is fully fit after a shoulder issue, telling reporters after Norway's 11-1 win over Moldova: "I feel good now. It was frustrating to come off early against Leeds, but I am ready to help the team again."
Forest, now led by former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou following Nuno Espirito Santo's dismissal, face their own concerns. Full-back Ola Aina picked up a hamstring problem while playing for Nigeria against South Africa and is a doubt for the trip to north London.
Both clubs go into the weekend under pressure for different reasons, Arsenal aiming to reassert their title credentials, while Forest look to kick-start a new era under Postecoglou.
Issued on SABC Sport | https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/arsenal-welcome-ben-white-christian-norgaard-piero-hincapie-boost-as-nottingham-forest-test-looms
