Arsenal XI vs Club Brugge: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League | OneFootball

Gabriel Jesus on the bench for Arsenal against Club Brugge

The Brazilian has not played since January because of a serious knee injury but is fit again and Arsenal have added him to their Champions League squad after Max Dowman suffered an ankle injury.

“With the situation of Gabby, we expected him to be training with us by the end of December,” said Mikel Arteta.

“But Gabby has been pushing every single day and he kept telling everybody: ‘I am going to be earlier, earlier, earlier’ - and he’s done it.

“So, thanks to his work and all the work the medical staff have done with him throughout these months.”

Jesus’ return is a boost for Arsenal, who are set to be without seven players against Club Brugge.

Cristhian Mosquera (ankle), Gabriel (thigh) and Kai Havertz (knee) are all still out injured.

The Gunners have been dealt fresh blows, as Declan Rice is ill and Leandro Trossard has aggravated a calf problem.

William Saliba is still not back after suffering a knock in training a few weeks ago, and Dowman is now injured.

“Max, unfortunately, he picked up an injury last weekend and he had to come off,” Arteta said. “So we did some scans and he is going to be out for weeks.”

Arteta hinted during his press conference on Tuesday night that Riccardo Calafiori’s minutes are being managed, so he drops out of the team for Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Christian Norgaard looks set for a centre-back role.

Out wide, Arteta has opted to rest Bukayo Saka, which opens the door for Noni Madueke to play.

Confirmed team news

Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Norgaard, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.