Arsenal news: Viktor Gyokeres told he’s too heavy as manager leaks striker's 'relapse'

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Following the international break, Arsenal ’s full focus will now shift towards the first North London derby of the season. The Gunners prior to the break were on an astonishing run of form, having gone eight consecutive games without conceding a goal before a disappointing 2-2 draw at Sunderland .

Mikel Arteta will hope the two week break won’t have disrupted their momentum after his side managed to build a four point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Tottenham are expected to provide a tough challenge when they visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, though they have struggled in N5 in recent years.

The biggest challenge for Arsenal will be coping with their lengthy injury list, which has grown even longer following the recent internationals . Now, ahead of the tantalising derby, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news around the Gunners.

Stefan Schwarz has urged Viktor Gyokeres to shed weight in order to excel in the Premier League. Despite Gyokeres’ six goals in 14 appearances for the Gunners since his £64 million summer move, his performances have sometimes lacked the flair and pace associated with a top Arsenal striker.

He would have been frustrated to pick up a hamstring injury at Burnley on November 1 given that it was arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt, and he’s a doubt to face Spurs this weekend. But former Arsenal midfielder and compatriot Schwarz believes Gyokeres can still go up a level by becoming lighter and quicker.

“I believe with Viktor Gyokeres, he’s not fully fit yet," he said. "As well with the new system, new manager, and new teammates, it takes time to develop the understanding. It’s not just the physical part of it, it’s the mental part as well.

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“Mental tiredness may be from adapting to a new club, new expectations, and higher expectations from supporters around the whole world . But it’s a good partnership (Gyokeres and Arsenal). And hopefully it will benefit Sweden for sure and Graham Potter.”

He brutally went on to say: “Sometimes the dog who barks loudest is not always the strongest. I think it’s just the players in the Premier League. They are more powerful players, faster players.

“The strikers will always be counted on for the goals that they are scoring. Hopefully, he’ll start to create and score goals, have a good run, get that real boost, and get a bit lighter because he’s a heavy player. I think that would help.”

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Kai Havertz has been hugely unfortunate to miss the first three months of the season with a knee injury. The German, who has not played since the opening weekend of the campaign, will also miss Spurs’ visit to the Emirates.

The 26-year-old is expected to return towards the end of the year, according to German national team manager Julian Nagelsmann. Nagelsmann also revealed that Havertz, who underwent a minor surgical procedure previously, suffered a ‘minor relapse’ at some point.

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