Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Jesus is ready to start ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
The Brazilian star returned from an 11-month injury lay-off as a substitute against Club Brugge in the Champions League this month.
He has since made two more cameo appearances against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton in the Premier League.
Arteta is likely to make numerous changes for the Carabao Cup quarter-final tomorrow, and Jesus could be in line to start.
In the pre-match press conference, the manager was asked whether Jesus is ‘ready to start‘ after three substitute appearances.
He said: “Yes, he is. You can see now, not only in games, every day in training, how much he wants it. He’s going to deserve a chance soon.”
The £45 million signing was in superb form prior to his serious knee injury against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round last term.
Jesus scored six goals in the space of just five games before the setback. Five of those came against the Eagles in a couple of appearances.
The 28-year-old scored a hat-trick against Palace at the same stage of the Carabao Cup at the Emirates Stadium last December (3-2 win).
He went on to score a brace at Selhurst Park as the Gunners secured a 5-1 league win.
Arteta did not practically confirm Jesus’ inclusion in the starting XI tomorrow, but we believe he could play for an hour against the Eagles.
With Viktor Gyokeres yet to find his form, Jesus has a brilliant opportunity to return to scoring ways and push for a starting berth in the league.
Arsenal have two key home league games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa before the New Year, which could make-or-break their title pursuit.
With this in mind, Arteta could make eight changes for the League Cup tie against the Eagles.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com