Arteta: Gabriel Jesus can lead the line for Arsenal | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta stated on Friday that Gabriel Jesus has the qualities to be the starting striker for Arsenal, following the Brazilian's return after 11 months away.

The 28-year-old played his first minutes for the club on Wednesday since suffering a knee injury in January, coming on as a substitute in the Gunners' 3-0 victory over Club Brugge in the Champions League.

Competition for the forward position

Jesus will have to compete with Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz — currently sidelined with a knee injury — to be the main name in Arsenal's attack.

Arteta also has various offensive options, including Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Leandro Trossard.

Arteta sees Jesus as a candidate for the starting position

The Spanish coach, whose team faces bottom-placed Wolves this Saturday, was asked in the pre-match press conference if Jesus could fight to be the club's number one striker.

“Yes, a player of his quality, a player who has already delivered so much for us and who returned with the energy he showed the other day. He is certainly a player who needs to be fighting and aiming for that position, for sure,” said Arteta.

Coach rules out selling Gabriel Jesus

Arteta was also asked if he would consider selling the former Manchester City player, given the large number of offensive options, but he rejected the idea.

“Gabriel has a lot to offer the team and proved it immediately in the first minute he was available to play,” he stated. “He has done a lot to be back in this position, and now the focus is on being with us.”

Confidence in Gyokeres despite poor form

The coach assured that the “goals will come” for Gyokeres, who has scored only once in the Premier League since mid-September.

Arteta said that the team and the 27-year-old striker, signed from Sporting in July, are still adapting to each other.

“We need to put the player in the best possible condition to explode and reach his potential, and there are certain things within the role, in the way we play, that need to be fulfilled — and that is a combination of both sides,” he explained.

He added: “It took a little while at the start because it's a different league, with different demands, he didn't have a pre-season, and now he's starting to gain momentum. The goals will come, and we will be very pleased with him.”

Uncertainties for the next match

Arteta did not confirm the return of some starters for the match, including defender William Saliba and midfielder Declan Rice.

He stated that both will be assessed before the game at Emirates Stadium, adding that there is also uncertainty about the fitness of Jurrien Timber and Trossard. Arsenal is two points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League before the clash against Wolves, who have lost their last eight league games.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.