Viktor Gyokeres is looking to make a statement at the World Cup with Sweden, but the Arsenal forward’s tournament briefly looked in danger
Viktor Gyokeres suffered a World Cup injury scare in Sweden’s recent friendly with Greece. Fresh off winning the Premier League with Arsenal, the Swede has geared his focus towards the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Sweden, who are now managed by ex-Chelsea and West Ham United manager Graham Potter, took on the 2004 European Champions in a pre-tournament friendly. Gyokeres featured from the start alongside Alexander Isak.
In the second half, the Gunners striker was floored by a clumsy challenge from behind from Greek defender Panagiotis Retsos. The way Gyokeres’ right foot was stuck between the limbs of Retsos would have been hard to watch for any Arsenal fans tuned into the game.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Gyokeres tried to pull away from the defender, only to be scythed down from a tackle from behind. His foot got caught between both of Retsos’ legs as he went down and bent at an uncomfortable angle.
There was a clear and visible grimace on the Swede’s face as he fell down and clutched his knee. It’s the kind of sight which would have worried all Arsenal fans and Mikel Arteta.
Fortunately, Gyokeres was able to run the pain off and carry on playing. He even went on to score a free-kick for his country not long after half time.
At the time, Sweden were trailing 1-0 to a goal from former Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas. From around 30 yards out, Gyokeres equalised with a free-kick, which took a deflection on its way into the back of the net.
Gustaf Nilsson went on to score a second for Sweden 16 minutes later, but a 95th minute equaliser from Giorgos Masouras denied Sweden a pre-World Cup victory. While this would have been disappointing, the most important news for Sweden was Gyokeres coming through the match unscathed.
He, along with Isak, will be among the Scandinavians’ most important players across the pond. They face Tunisia on June 15 for their first World Cup match.
After their clash with the north Africans, Sweden take on the Netherlands on June 20, before facing Japan six days later for the final match of Group F. Gyokeres’ scoring record for his country is excellent.
In 33 appearances, he boasts 20 goals for the Swedes. However, this summer’s World Cup will be his first major tournament for his country, having only featured in World Cup and European qualifiers, international friendlies and the Nations League.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
