Sweden national team manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has dismissed rumours that striker Viktor Gyokeres has withdrawn from the national team to avoid injury amidst potential transfer talks with Arsenal. Gyokeres is one of the most sought-after players this transfer window.
The forward boasts an impressive record of 97 goals in 102 matches over two seasons with Sporting Lisbon, bagging consecutive Primeira Liga titles. His contract extends until summer 2028, but a departure from Estádio José Alvalade seems increasingly probable.
Arsenal, in their quest for a new striker, are among the clubs vying for Gyokeres’ services and have initiated discussions with Sporting Lisbon about a possible deal. However, international duty calls first.
Sweden are set to play friendlies against Hungary and Algeria in the coming week, with their World Cup qualification campaign not kicking off until September. These friendly matches provide Tomasson with an opportunity to evaluate his squad.
Gyokeres was initially part of the 24-man squad for the fixtures in Budapest and Stockholm. Yet, it was announced on Tuesday that the 27 year old would be departing the group early.
This sparked speculation that Gyokeres might have opted out to prevent any injury that could jeopardise a significant summer transfer. However, these rumours have been firmly quashed by Tomasson.
“No!” the Swedish boss said. “He felt a small injury and our medical team was already aware of it and we decided, together, to release him,” adding, “I spoke to Viktor last week. He hasn’t trained much in the last few weeks and was feeling some discomfort because of a small injury.
“I was happy to see him and have him with us in this training camp. It says a lot about Viktor, how much he wants to get involved. We’re thinking about it [a replacement] and need to talk more about it. In a perfect world, we have all players available.”
Earlier this week, the Swedish FA confirmed Gyokeres’ withdrawal from the upcoming friendlies in a brief statement: “Viktor Gyokeres is not available for the men’s national team’s friendlies against Hungary and Algeria due to a minor injury.
“The striker will leave the squad after dialogue with the national team’s medical team. Gyokeres needs to rehabilitate a minor injury and is therefore not available for the upcoming international matches against Hungary and Algeria.
“In consultation with the medical team, the decision has been made that Viktor will leave the national team. The men’s national team will face Hungary on June 6 away and Algeria at Strawberry Arena on June 10.”
Gyokeres also chimed in on speculations around his career trajectory earlier in the week. Despite Arsenal’s initiated discussions with Sporting CP officials, he underlined that he remains undecided about his future.
“We will see… nobody knows anything yet,” Gyokeres stated during an appearance on the Flymoduspod podcast. “I wish I had a more fun answer, but that’s all I can say for now.”
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