Mikel Arteta has declared that Gabriel Jesus possesses the quality to become Arsenal’s first-choice striker once again.
The backing comes as the Brazil international returns to action after a lengthy 11-month spell on the sidelines.
The 28-year-old made his long-awaited comeback on Wednesday. He featured as a substitute in the Gunners’ 3-0 Champions League victory over Club Brugge, marking his first minutes since suffering a knee injury in January.
Fighting for the Number Nine Spot
Jesus now faces stiff competition to become the focal point of Arsenal’s attack. He must vie for the position against Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, though Havertz is currently out of action with a knee injury.
Beyond the central strikers, Arteta has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal. The list includes Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Leandro Trossard.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta was asked if Jesus could push to be the club’s main forward.
“Yes, a player of his quality, a player that has given us so much… He’s certainly a player that has to be pushing and aiming for that, that’s for sure,” the manager said, praising the energy Jesus displayed during his midweek cameo.
Arteta also firmly dismissed suggestions that the former Manchester City star could be sold due to the squad’s attacking depth.
“Gabriel has a lot to offer to the team… He’s put so much into being in this position again, and now the focus is to be with us,” Arteta affirmed.
Patience for Gyokeres
The Arsenal boss also addressed the form of Viktor Gyokeres. The 27-year-old, who joined from Sporting Lisbon in July, has scored just once in the Premier League since mid-September.
Arteta insisted that the “goals will come” for the struggling forward. He noted that Gyokeres had no pre-season and needed time to adapt to the demands of a different league.
“We have to put the player in the best possible condition to explode and fulfil his potential,” Arteta explained. “Now he’s starting to get some momentum… and we’re going to be very pleased with him.”
Team News vs. Wolves
Arsenal host bottom-side Wolves on Saturday. The visitors arrive at the Emirates in poor form, having lost their last eight league games.
The Gunners currently sit two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
However, Arteta remained non-committal regarding the fitness of several key players. He stated that central defender William Saliba and midfielder Declan Rice would be assessed ahead of the match. There is also uncertainty surrounding the availability of Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard.
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