Jamie Carragher explains why Viktor Gyokeres could be DROPPED for Arsenal's biggest games

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Jamie Carragher isn't convinced by Viktor Gyokeres(Image: Sky Sports)

Jamie Carragher believes that Mikel Arteta would have dropped Viktor Gyokeres to the bench on Sunday had Kai Havertz been fit.

Arsenal head to Anfield to face Liverpool in an early test of their Premier League title credentials without Havertz.

The Germany international has undergone surgery on a knee injury, and while he isn’t expected to be sidelined for a significant period, he will be a big miss on Sunday.



He got off the mark for the Gunners by scoring twice in a 5-0 thrashing of Leeds last weekend, but Carragher is far from convinced by the 27-year-old centre-forward.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season, Carragher stated his opinion that Arteta will bench Gyokeres for the biggest games.

“As the season progresses, it is hard to imagine a fully fit Havertz being relegated to a deputy for the biggest Premier League and Champions League games.

“Gyokeres has the look of a useful alternative – a different profile of striker offering a solution against the less fashionable teams as and when required – not an out-and-out replacement for the German.”

Gary Neville disagrees with Carragher and has suggested an alternative that Arteta may try later this season.

Comment below.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit is another to express concerns over Gyokeres though.

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