Arteta makes a surprising comment on the return of Gabriel Jesus from injury

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken about the return of Gabriel Jesus from injury sustained while on international duty in the World Cup in December. Jesus made a 15-minute cameo in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham, and Arteta has surprisingly said that the star striker will have to earn his place back.

Arsenal is currently in a title race as they are currently first on the Premier League table with 66 points after 27 games but are closely followed by second-placed Manchester City, which has 61 points. The fans are happy that Jesus is back, and his return could be a significant boost for Arsenal’s title aspirations.

Arteta spoke about Jesus’ return as per ESPN, saying, “[It is a] big boost [to have him back], The first step today. We didn’t know if it was the right game today. He said to me a few days ago ‘I’m still missing something.’ Yesterday I looked in his eyes and he said ‘I’m ready.’ I said ‘OK.'”

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on March 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“So then we had the opportunity to throw him in. It’s that first step to give him the big boost. He looks free, he looks ready and straight away he generated those two big chances. It’s great to have him back.”

However, Arteta has surprisingly also made it clear that Jesus would have to earn his place back like any other player in the team. Arsenal has alternatives who can play in different positions, and they have different goals as well to fill in relation to the chemistry of the players and what they ask them to do.

“[But] he has to earn his place like in any other team. We have alternatives who can play in different positions and we have different goals as well to fill in relation to the chemistry of the players and what we ask them to do. It’s a great problem to have, believe me.”

Jesus’ return could not come at a better time for Arsenal as they enter into a crucial period of their season.
The Brazilian striker has been an integral part of Arsenal’s success this season, scoring 5 goals and providing 5 assists in the league before he got injured.

With Arsenal looking like genuine title contenders this season, having Gabriel Jesus fit and firing could be crucial for their chances of lifting their first Premier League trophy since 2004.