Gabriel Jesus set to start for Arsenal after nearly a year
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus appears set to make his first start for Arsenal in almost a year when the Gunners host Crystal Palace in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final, reports BritPanorama.
Manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that the Brazilian forward could be handed a starting berth at the Emirates Stadium, 345 days since his last appearance from the opening whistle. This match presents a significant opportunity for Arteta, who is nearing six years without silverware at the club.
Should Arsenal overcome Oliver Glasner’s Palace side, they would advance to face Chelsea in the semi-finals. Arteta may make changes to his lineup given the demanding schedule ahead, packed with six matches over 20 days.
The 27-year-old has been working his way back following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that sidelined him for 11 months. Since returning, Jesus has featured as a substitute in three consecutive victories against Club Brugge, Wolves, and Everton, and Tuesday’s fixture bears particular significance for the striker, who scored three times against Palace at the same stage of the competition last season.
A starting role against Palace would mark Jesus’s first from kick-off since February. When asked if the striker was ready to start, Arteta confirmed, “Yes he is, and you can tell.” He added that Jesus’s daily training performance reflects a readiness that deserves a chance soon.
Arteta elaborated on Jesus’s impact since joining the club, noting that his presence has lifted the belief, spirit, and energy of the team. “He is back and his fighting spirit, his desire to always prepare in the best way is unbelievable,” he stated. Jesus could take the place of Viktor Gyokeres, who, despite scoring from the penalty spot in Arsenal’s recent 1-0 win at Everton, has struggled to find the back of the net from open play in his last six appearances.
In midfield, Declan Rice continues to impress for Arsenal, with Wayne Rooney calling him the natural successor to Harry Kane as England captain. Rooney observed Rice’s performance against Everton, stating, “He was all over the pitch and his decision-making was absolutely incredible.”
The anticipation builds not only around Jesus’s return but also about how these tactical changes might shift the balance for Arsenal in this critical stage of the season.
