Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish forward who plays for Sporting, was released from the Swedish national team due to injury concerns, as confirmed by coach Jon Dahl Tomasson on Monday, March 17, 2025. This decision was made after Gyökeres struggled with physical issues throughout the week leading up to the announcement.
Tomasson revealed, "Viktor had problems all week. He played with pain this weekend, 90 minutes, but after the game he was not in the best condition. He will not be here, and Gustaf Nilsson will replace him." Gyökeres' inability to participate is particularly noteworthy as he had just played against Famalicão on Sunday, March 16, showcasing his resilience by scoring one goal and providing an assist during Sporting's 3-1 victory. Despite the pain, this marked his third consecutive game with scoring contributions.
The 25-year-old striker had been prolific this season, scoring 40 goals and supplying 10 assists across 41 matches. His goal against Famalicão not only reflected his talent but also brought him closer to securing the coveted Golden Boot award, where he currently stands fourth with 42 points based on his performance in the league. Each goal he scored was worth 1.5 points, and he shares this position with notable players such as Ousmane Dembélé from PSG, Erling Haaland from Manchester City, and Harry Kane from Bayern Munich, who each have 21 goals based on two points per goal.
With the Swedish national team preparing for friendly matches against Luxembourg on March 22 and Northern Ireland on March 25, Gyökeres’ absence is unfortunate. The team is aiming to solidify its lineup and build momentum as it prepares for future competitions. Tomasson noted the importance of having players at their best fitness levels, which makes Gyökeres’ early exit necessary for his long-term health.
Interestingly, the decision for Gyökeres to return to Portugal was made after mutual agreement among the Swedish Football Federation, Sporting, and the player himself, allowing him some much-needed rest. This break will enable Gyökeres to recover fully, as he will have around 12 days off before Sporting's next match. Meanwhile, Samuel Dahl, another player from Benfica, has retained his place on the national squad.
The race for the Golden Boot is heating up as well, with Mohamed Salah of Liverpool currently leading the standings with 54 points, bolstered by 27 goals. Following him are Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona and Mateo Retegui of Atalanta, who are tied for second place with 44 points (22 goals each). Gyökeres’ 42 points have put him squarely among the elite, showcasing the competitive nature of this year’s scoring campaign.
With the season nearing its climax and Sporting's ambitions high, every match is viewed as pivotal not just for individual accolades but also for club success. Gyökeres’ contributions to Sporting have been significant this season, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see him return to form post-injury.
Engagement from the Sporting Club community and Swedish national team fans alike will remain strong as these matchups approach. Gyökeres’ determination to bounce back and reclaim his place on the pitch will be closely monitored, especially if he aims to capitalize on his successful season.
His efforts might not only help him personally—ensuring his visibility on international stages—but also support Sporting's challenges as they pursue victory on multiple fronts. Looking forward, both Gyökeres and his supporters are hopeful for his swift return, ready to witness more of the explosive talent he has displayed throughout the season.
