Mikel Arteta has strongly hinted that Gabriel Jesus is in line for a starting berth when Arsenal host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night.
Jesus set for long-awaited return to starting XI
The Arsenal manager confirmed the Brazilian striker, who recently returned from an 11-month absence due to a serious knee injury, is now ready to be thrown back in from the beginning of a match. Jesus has not started a game since January but has made three substitute appearances in recent weeks against Wolves, Everton, and Club Brugge.
When asked directly if the 28-year-old was prepared to re-join the starting line-up, Arteta was unequivocal. "Yes, he is," the Spaniard stated. "You can see now, not only in games, every day in training, how much he wants it. He’s going to deserve a chance soon."
Arteta hails striker's 'unbelievable' fighting spirit
Arteta expressed no surprise at the sharpness Jesus has shown since his return, having monitored his progress closely during the lengthy rehabilitation. He praised the forward's mentality, referencing a "beautiful letter" Jesus wrote about what football means to him.
"Well it’s been a really intense journey I would say," Arteta reflected on Jesus's time at the club. "I think when he joined us, he lifted the belief, the spirit and the energy of the club and the team... And then he had some very bad injuries that hasn’t allowed him to have the consistency that we need from a very important player. But he’s back, I think his fighting spirit, he’s decided to always prepare the best way. He’s unbelievable and the team has got it now and we need to use it."
Focus solely on Palace amid busy festive schedule
With a packed fixture list ahead, including Premier League clashes with Brighton and Aston Villa after the cup tie, Arteta insisted his focus is solely on the immediate challenge. "Now the most important one is the Carabao Cup against Palace because it’s the next game that we have," he said, emphasising a game-by-game approach.
However, Arsenal will still be without several key players through injury. The unavailable quintet includes:
- Kai Havertz
- Gabriel Magalhaes
- Ben White
- Cristhian Mosquera
- Max Dowman
Since his £45 million move from Manchester City in 2022, Jesus has scored 26 goals in 99 appearances for Arsenal, though his impact has been repeatedly disrupted by fitness issues. The Carabao Cup clash at the Emirates Stadium represents a critical opportunity for him to reignite his Arsenal career and help his team secure a place in the competition's semi-finals.
