Gabriel Jesus (foto: Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus is set to start for Arsenal for the first time in almost a year as Mikel Arteta rotates his squad for the League Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal are expected to name a surprise starter in their EFL Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace, with Gabriel Jesus set to begin a match for the first time in 345 days.
The Brazilian striker has not started a game since suffering a serious knee injury last season, but head coach Mikel Arteta has indicated that Jesus is ready to return to the starting XI at the Emirates Stadium.
Long road back from injury
Jesus tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee shortly after last season’s League Cup quarter-final — ironically against Crystal Palace at the same venue — where he scored a hat-trick before Arsenal were later eliminated by Newcastle United in the semi-finals.
The injury sidelined the forward for 11 months, forcing a lengthy rehabilitation process. He has returned gradually in recent weeks, making substitute appearances against Club Brugge, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton, primarily to rebuild match sharpness.
Arteta confirms readiness
Arteta confirmed that the striker is now fully prepared to start.
“Yes, he’s ready. You can see that every day in training. His desire and competitiveness are exceptional,” the Arsenal manager said.
With Arsenal facing six matches in 20 days, rotation is expected, and Jesus could replace Viktor Gyökeres, who has gone six games without a goal from open play despite remaining the team’s designated penalty taker.
A victory over Palace would send Arsenal into a semi-final clash against Chelsea, as Arteta continues his pursuit of a first trophy with the club in nearly six years.