Arteta Drops Bombshell: Mystery Player Set to Shock in Crystal Palace Showdown
Mikel Arteta has hinted that returning forward Gabriel Jesus might be set to start Arsenal's Carabao Cup quarterfinal encounter against Crystal Palace this Tuesday.
Jesus hasn't started a game for Arsenal since January, after a severe knee injury kept the Brazilian forward out for most of the year before he returned as a substitute earlier this month.
With three substitute appearances under his belt, Jesus, who recently stated he has "unfinished business" in north London despite speculation about a potential departure, is moving closer to earning a starting position that Arteta hinted could come on Tuesday.
"He is [ready to start]," Arteta revealed during his pre-match press conference. "You can see now, not only in matches, every day in training, how much he desires it. He's going to earn an opportunity soon."
Arteta emphasized he wasn't surprised by Jesus's sharpness following his comeback, stating: "I was observing when he was seven months already on the field and the way he was moving and how much he desired it ... I think he composed a beautiful letter there explaining what football means to him and how it impacts his life. I think it was something beautiful."
Arteta: Jesus Can Help Unlock Viktor Gyökeres
Jesus moved to Arsenal from Manchester City during the summer of 2022 and had an instant effect, accumulating an impressive number of assists and contributing with a solid goal tally—though not sufficient to prevent the Gunners from investing in both Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres during the last two seasons.
Gyökeres is presently finding it difficult to meet expectations after his £63.5 million ($85 million) transfer from Sporting CP, but Arteta thinks Jesus could assist the Swedish striker in reaching greater levels.
"I believe that's likely the greatest strength of Gabi, bringing people together, connecting with individuals and creating significant uncertainty in the opposition," Arteta explained. "When you observe him today, the number of spaces that he was engaged in, that's his greatest strength. So we must capitalize on that.
"It's been a truly demanding journey I would say. I believe when he joined us, I think he elevated the confidence, the spirit and the energy of the club and the team. I think he provided something very different to what we already possessed, and it was truly impressive."
Jesus's upcoming appearance for Arsenal will represent his 100th for the Gunners and, if it happens on Tuesday, could assist his team in their quest to reach the Carabao Cup semifinal, where they already know a meeting with Chelsea awaits.