Gyokeres intensifies push for Arsenal start against Leeds after extending Nations League record

Gyokeres scored the only goal as Sweden beat Romania 1-0 in Bucharest on Monday, finding the net for a seventh consecutive Nations League appearance.

The Arsenal striker had set the competition record just three days earlier when his goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina made him the first player to score in six successive Nations League matches.

He has now scored in all four of Sweden's matches during the current campaign, with his latest effort taking his international tally to 25 goals.

The 28-year-old's run of form comes at an important time for Arsenal, with Gyokeres still waiting for his first goal of the season and having made only two Premier League appearances, both as a substitute.

That could give Arteta a difficult decision to make when Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leeds United on Saturday, particularly with Kai Havertz now an injury concern.

Havertz was forced to leave Germany duty early because of a hamstring problem, potentially opening the door for Gyokeres to lead the Arsenal attack at the Emirates.

There was further encouragement for Arteta from Riccardo Calafiori, who scored his first goal for Italy in their 3-1 victory over Turkiye.

The defender's effort came in an important win against a strong opponent and continued to highlight the attacking threat he can offer from full-back.

Calafiori has already shown his attacking instincts since moving to Arsenal and revealed that Arteta has encouraged him to continue making forward runs when the opportunity is there.

"I spoke to the coach and he himself told me that if I have this impulse to go and attack the spaces I have to do it, because it comes naturally to me," Calafiori told Rai Sport.

"Obviously it has to be done with the head, with the ideas and in the right moments, but when they leave me free I can express myself much better."

Arsenal will still have to wait for the remainder of their international contingent to return before Arteta has a full picture of his squad.

Declan Rice withdrew from England duty before the international break but is expected to be available against Leeds, while Max Dowman pulled out of the England Under-19 squad and Ezri Konsa returned early from senior international duty with a quad issue.

The Gunners will be looking to respond against Leeds at the weekend after suffering their first defeat of the Premier League season before the break, losing 3-0 to Brighton.