Mikel Arteta backs Viktor Gyokeres to break Arsenal scoring duck

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Viktor Gyokeres to end his goal drought, praising the striker’s determination and work rate ahead of Sunday’s Premier League visit to Nottingham Forest.

Gyokeres, 28, has yet to score for Arsenal in any competition this season, although he continues to find the net for Sweden. He has also had limited Premier League opportunities, with Germany international Kai Havertz currently Arteta’s preferred option as the club’s main striker.

Despite the lack of goals, Arteta said Gyokeres’ approach had remained unchanged and that he continued to be an important option for the Gunners.

Asked whether the forward’s confidence was being affected, Arteta said: “That’s a very personal question.

“I think what he transmits is an incredible will and determination and work-rate to improve and help the team, that’s it.

“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.”

Gyokeres scored 21 goals during his debut season at Arsenal in 2025/26, but has been unable to replicate that form so far in the current campaign.

Arteta believes the striker’s failure to score has been influenced by fine margins, including missed chances and occasions when the final delivery has not reached him.

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

“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. Scoring or not scoring changes the narrative.”

Arsenal are second in the Premier League table, three points behind Manchester City, and will hope Gyokeres can convert his promising positions into goals as they continue their title challenge at the City Ground.

Arsenal receive injury updates

Arteta also gave an update on Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie after both players suffered ankle injuries in training following Arsenal’s win over Leeds.

Zubimendi could be available to face Forest after showing signs of improvement. However, Arsenal will make a final decision after Saturday’s training session.

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

Hincapie is expected to miss another week or two, despite progressing well in his recovery.

“Piero is evolving really well,” Arteta added. “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.”