Viktor Gyokeres suffers major blow as Arsenal striker handed nightmare scenario

Viktor Gyokeres' Sweden are almost certainly not heading to the World Cup next summer after losing a crucial qualifier at home to Kosovo. Having lost to Switzerland last week, three points were desperately needed if they were to have any chance of breaking into the top two.

Kosovo beat Sweden in a shock result in last month's international break and had the chance to move six points clear if they repeated that achievement, which was exactly what they did. This result has left Sweden on just one point, with two wins required if they are to have any hope of reaching the tournament in the United States.

Slovenia will also need to drop points in November, but not to Kosovo, and with it, therefore, highly unlikely that scenario plays out, Sweden is all but eliminated. A 32-minute strike from Fisnik Asllani decided this game, with Kosovo surviving a barrage of late attempts and corners.

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Over half of their 13 shots on Monday evening came from Liverpool forward Alexander Isak and Gyokeres. The Arsenal striker, who joined from Sporting CP in the summer, had a close-range effort saved and another go narrowly wide.

Meanwhile, the reigning Premier League champions' record-signing had a staggering six attempts, all of which were inside the box, with just two of them on target. His best chance came just under 15 minutes from the end when he struck wide from 10 yards out after a great cross from Gustaf Lagerbielke.

Jon Dahl Tomasson now faces an incredibly uncertain future in the dugout. Speaking to Viaplay after another disappointing result, the Sweden boss insisted he won't resign.

"It's of course a terrible result," said Tomasson, as quoted by the Sweden Herald. "It's killing us. We weren't good enough. We concede cheap goals and it seems like we've forgotten how to score goals."

On his future, Tomasson said: "I have a contract with the Swedish Football Association and we are in the middle of the World Championship qualifying.

"It's of course not good enough, a terrible result tonight. It hurts like hell. We give away an easy goal and have forgotten how to score goals. It's not good enough."

Despite that, it was Gyokeres who took most of the criticism on social media, with Arsenal fans far from pleased by his display. On X, formerly known as Twitter, @Emzyl_ wrote: "Sweden should take off Gyokeres, revert to a back four and bring an attacking midfielder or wide forward.

"Gyokeres is awful and literally offers nothing whatsoever. It's almost like playing with 10 men."

Another user, @Kvvazii, chimed in and said: "Watching Gyokeres right now and he's actually making me count the days of Havertz's return ffs."

Regarding Isak, after a summer filled with transfer drama, it's understandable that some Liverpool supporters are relieved that he might get a longer break.

"I for one am happy Sweden won't qualify for the World Cup. Full rest and pre-season for Isak next summer should make up for the disgusting way Newcastle treated him this summer," said @total_slotball.

However, not every fan was on the same wavelength. @Opresii wrote: "No World Cup for ISAK [crying animal gif]."

Both Gyokeres and Isak have had shaky starts to the season at their new clubs. The latter will be hoping to break an eight-match goalless streak against Fulham this weekend, while the former will be trying to lead Liverpool to their first victory in three matches when they face Manchester United.