Arsenal have made a decision on Gabriel Jesus for their Champions League squad for Wednesday's Club Brugge clash after the injury Cristhian Mosquera
Arsenal players
Arsenal have decided not to replace Cristhian Mosquera with Gabriel Jesus for their Champions League squad
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Arsenal are unlikely to include Gabriel Jesus in their Champions League squad for this week's trip to Belgium to face Club Brugge, the Mirror's sister-title, football.london understands. The Brazil international has not played competitive football in 11 months, but has been in two out of the last three Gunners' matchday squads
According to UEFA rules, participating clubs can only temporarily replace one outfield player who is ruled out for a significant period due to a long-term injury or illness. This handy rule applies during the league phase up until matchday six, which is scheduled for this week.
The hope is that Mosquera might recover in time for their final two group phase matches against Inter Milan and FC Kairat in January.
The Spain U21 international was forced to leave the pitch in the first half of Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Brentford after twisting his leg in the turf.
Mosquera has had an impressive start to his Arsenal career since joining from Valencia in the summer transfer window, but his progress has now been interrupted by this injury.
Meanwhile, centre-forward Jesus recently returned to the Gunners' match-day squad for the Brentford game, but he was not included in the trip to Villa Park.
Instead, he played in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Arsenal U21s on Saturday, where they defeated Manchester United U21s 3-0 at St George's Park.
Max Dowman and Charles Sagoe Jr were among the goal-scorers. It's also understood Jesus recently featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against fellow London Colney-based side Watford.
"We have to see," Arteta said when asked ahead of the 1-1 draw at Chelsea whether Jesus would need to build up his fitness in friendly matches before returning to the Arsenal fold.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has decided against making a change to his Arsenal Champions League squad
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"Obviously, he's been out for 11 months, and you need that progression. You need to see how his body reacts and what else he needs.
"The players that we have available as well, it has to make sense to have the right balance in the squad. The good thing is, it's [Jesus' return] very, very close at the moment."
Arsenal would secure a top-eight finish with victory in Belgium against Club Brugge on Wednesday, though Arteta is expected to rotate his side ahead of the Premier League meeting with Wolves.
Unfortunately, Jesus will continue be ineligible to feature, though it seems likely he will return at some point this month.