Mikel Arteta signals confidence in Gabriel Jesus’ Arsenal return ahead of the League Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace at the Emirates
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that Gabriel Jesus could make his first start in almost a year when the Premier League leaders host Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium in London on Tuesday.
Also read: Premier League clubs hit by injury wave ahead of weekend
Mikel Arteta confirmed that the Brazil international is close to full match fitness after a prolonged injury absence, raising the prospect of a significant Gabriel Jesus Arsenal return as the club seeks to end a six-year wait for silverware.
The 28-year-old forward has been limited to substitute appearances since returning from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for 11 months.
Gabriel Jesus ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee after Arsenal’s League Cup run last season, during which he scored a hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals before the club exited in the semi-finals.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Mikel Arteta said the striker’s attitude in training and recent match involvement had earned him consideration for a starting role.
The Arsenal manager said Gabriel Jesus had shown hunger and commitment both in matches and on the training ground, adding that the forward deserved an opportunity after a demanding recovery process.
Mikel Arteta recalled the impact Gabriel Jesus made upon his arrival at the club, noting that injuries had disrupted the consistency expected from a player of his influence.
The Arsenal head coach stressed that the forward’s resilience and determination since returning to fitness had been remarkable, describing the squad as united and ready to cope with a congested run of six matches in 20 days.
Arteta is expected to rotate his side for the cup tie, with Chelsea awaiting the winners in the semi-finals.
Gabriel Jesus could replace Viktor Gyokeres in the starting line-up, despite the striker scoring the decisive penalty in Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Everton at the weekend. Viktor Gyokeres has failed to score from open play in his last six appearances.
Also read: Kai Havertz undergoes knee surgery, out for weeks
The League Cup remains a realistic route to silverware for Arsenal, and Arteta will hope the return of Gabriel Jesus can provide a timely boost as the season intensifies.
