Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Jesus is available for selection ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazil international required a minor knee injury at the start of the month, and it was initially predicted that he could return to action following the international break.
However, he has made a quicker recovery than predicted and speaking in today’s press conference, Arteta has confirmed that he is ready to go, having trained the whole week.
He said: “We’re really happy. Obviously, it was a big blow for him after the pre-season that he had to have another surgery, but he’s looking really sharp and trained the full week really good, so he’s ready to go.”
Meanwhile, the Gunners boss was asked whether Jesus could make the starting XI against the Cottagers. He refused to rule out the prospect saying: “Let’s see! It’s very good news.”
Several other questions were posed to the manager and one of those was related to Gabriel Magalhaes, who has been continuously linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this week.
The Spanish tactician insisted that the centre-back is a ‘really important’ player, he added: “Gabi is a really important player for us and there is nothing going on with that at the moment.”
Arsenal have made the perfect start to the season with back-to-back wins, but have had nervous finishes. Despite dominating Nottingham Forest, they won by a slender 2-1 scoreline.
Against Crystal Palace on the road, they had to show plenty of defensive resolve after going down to 10 men at the hour mark. The team made several clearances in the box in a hard-fought 1-0 win.
The Gunners have the opportunity to temporary move to the top of the table with a victory tomorrow, but can’t be complacent. Fulham can’t be taken lightly despite losing 3-0 to Brentford last week.
Eddie Nketiah spurned two chances to find the back of the net against Palace, but he eventually won the match-winning penalty. It is left to be seen whether Jesus replaces him up front.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
