- Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been missing in action since December 2022 when he picked an injury in the FIFA World Cup
- Jesus has finally made a return for Arsenal and will no doubt be a huge boost for the Gunners
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged the Brazilian to earn his place in the squad despite being the first-choice striker
After a protracted injury absence, returning star forward Gabriel Jesus has been cautioned by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta that he won’t just walk back into the squad.
Following his £45 million summer transfer from Manchester City, Jesus was a revelation for the Gunners in the first half of the season. He registered 11 direct goal involvements in 14 Premier League games, which really ignited Arsenal’s ongoing title push.
However, a knee injury sustained while travelling with Brazil for the World Cup in December resulted in a three-month absence from activity. Jesus only returned in the 93rd minute of Sunday’s resounding 3-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
READ: Arsenal handed Gabriel Jesus boost ahead of Europa League clash
Gabriel Jesus is a big boost for Arsenal
Gabriel Jesus made his return from injury on Sunday, March 12 2023 when Arsenal visited Fulham in the Premier League. | PHOTO: The Sun |
Although no doubt an enormous boost in the final stretch of the season, Arsenal had continued their excellent form without Jesus and found goals from other sources – Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in particular have both been exceptional in 2023.
That means he still needs to work on commanding the ‘number nine’ position he previously held.
Arteta wants Jesus to earn his place
“A big boost. It was the first step,” Arteta said of the Brazilian’s return.
“We didn’t know whether it was the right game but I looked him in his eyes [the day before] and he said: ‘I am ready’. Now he needs to earn his place, like any other player.”
Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title will now be put on hold for a few days. The Gunners’ focus returns to the Europa League and the second leg of their round-of-16 match against Sporting CP. Last week’s first leg in Portugal ended in a 2-2 tie, essentially turning this match at the Emirates into a one-off play-off.
Then, Arsenal’s final matchup before the March international break will be at home against London rivals Crystal Palace.
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