Viktor Gyokeres set as pre-season leaves him feeling ‘very good physically’
By Edward Elliot, Press Association
Viktor Gyokeres says he feels in far better physical shape than when he signed for Arsenal a year ago.
The 28-year-old forward joined the Gunners in a £64million deal last summer after scoring 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting Lisbon before experiencing a mixed first season at the Emirates Stadium.
Gyokeres came in for criticism over some of his performances and started only 26 of the 36 Premier League games in which he featured.
However, he finished the campaign with 21 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions as Arsenal won their first league title in 22 years and reached the Champions League final.
Gyokeres converted a second-half penalty on Sunday as Arsenal were beaten 3-2 by Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup final.
“I feel much, much better than probably last pre-season,” he said, according to Arsenal’s website.
“I’ve had more weeks now and it feels very, very good physically.”
Arsenal introduced new signing Bruno Guimaraes to fans ahead of kick-off against Dortmund, while captain Martin Odegaard made his first appearance of pre-season.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta expected to have his full squad back at the club’s training ground on Monday following players’ involvement in the World Cup.
“It was amazing to be back and to feel the atmosphere and see the fans again but of course we wanted a result as well,” said Sweden international Gyokeres.
“I think we’re in a good stage, everyone is coming back now from the World Cup so I’m sure we’re going to be ready for everything that comes.”
Arteta said right-back Jurrien Timber is still “weeks away” from being available following groin surgery, while centre-back William Saliba is in “rest mode” after suffering a back injury with France.
Arsenal host Italian side Como – managed by former Gunners midfielder Cesc Fabregas – on Wednesday in another pre-season friendly before facing FA Cup holders Manchester City on Sunday in the Community Shield in Cardiff.
Their Premier League title defence begins at home to newly-promoted Coventry on Friday, August 21.
