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| Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring the team's second goal with Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus (L) and Arsenal's Italian midfielder Jorginho during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 1, 2023. |
Mikel Arteta has warned Gabriel Jesus that he simply cannot walk back into the Arsenal team.
The Brazilian forward has been ruled out of action since returning from the World Cup with a knee injury.
In December, the former Manchester City star underwent surgery, sparking fears Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge would collapse.
That, of course, has not been the case and the Gunners have opened up a five-point lead over City heading into the final 13 games.
While Eddie Nketiah has struggled in recent weeks, the 23-year-old has scored crucial goals in the absence of Jesus, including a memorable last-minute winner against Manchester United in January.
New signing Leandro Trossard is another option through the middle, while both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have hit double figures this season.
Jesus, who is closing in on a return to action, has been warned he can expect to have to prove himself in training to reclaim his starting berth.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference before Saturday’s meeting with Bournemouth, Arteta said: “It’s true now that we need to see when he gets back, at what level he gets back, how we’re going to fit him in, how we’re going to load him with minutes and in which games.
“Then, like everybody else, he will have to earn his place, but we know what Gabi can bring to the team, that’s for sure.”
