Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has warned returning star forward Gabriel Jesus that he will not return to the squad straight away after recovering from a long injury absence.
Jesus has been a revelation for the Gunners in the first half of the season following his £45m summer transfer from Manchester City, scoring 11 straight goals in 14 Premier League games to really set in motion the title challenge that Arsenal still have. Is.
But he suffered a knee injury while away to Brazil at the World Cup in December which meant he was out of action for three months. Jesus made his return as a late substitute in Sunday’s comfortable 3-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
While there was no doubt a huge boost towards the end of the season, Arsenal continued their excellent form without Jesus and got goals from other sources – notably Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, both in 2023. Have been wonderful.
This means there is still work to be done to command the ‘number nine’ role.
“A big boost. It was the first step,” Arteta said of the Brazilian’s return.
“We didn’t know if it was the right play but I saw it in his eyes [the day before] And said: ‘I am ready’. Now he needs to make his place like any other player.
Arsenal will now put their Premier League title charge on hold for a few days as attention turns to the Europa League and the second leg of their last 16 tie against Sporting CP. The first leg in Portugal ended 2-2 last week, effectively making the game a one-sided play-off at the Emirates.
Crystal Palace at home will then be Arsenal’s last game before the March international break.
On this edition of The Chronicles of a Gooner, part of the 90 Minute Podcast Network, Harry Symeo Reaction to Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League and Leandro Troussard’s star performance. Click if you can’t see this embed. Here To listen to the podcast!