Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta discussed the potential comeback of striker Gabriel Jesus from knee surgery on Friday. Jesus has been out since December due to a knee injury suffered while playing for Brazil in the World Cup. Arteta admitted that Jesus had been crucial to Arsenal’s early-season success and voiced confidence that his return to training would help the team in their title push. But, Arteta also emphasised that Jesus, like everyone else, would have to compete for a spot on the team.

Eddie Nketiah has led the Arsenal attack in Jesus’ absence, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka also adding to the team’s success. Arteta appreciated these players’ contributions, saying that they had taken on the scoring load in Jesus’ absence. The manager also emphasised the significance of Jesus’ all-around game in helping Arsenal to the top of the league in the first half of the season.

Arteta provided an update on Jesus’s progress, indicating that he was working with the team as well as outside of it, but that he was not yet close to returning. The manager showed trust in the doctors’ evaluation of Jesus recovery, noting that they were pleased with how he was progressing.

When asked about Gabriel Jesus place on the team upon his return, Arteta stated that he, like everyone else, would have to earn his spot. The manager stated that Arsenal was evaluating Nketiah following his restricted playing time against Everton. Arteta was unconcerned about midfielder Jorginho, who was replaced at halftime due to sickness.

Despite Bournemouth’s relegation struggle, Mikel Arteta praised their recent efforts, especially their defensive tenacity against Brighton, Newcastle, and Wolves. Arsenal host Bournemouth at home on Saturday, and Arteta will be hoping to keep the team’s recent form going as they chase the Premier League title.

The anticipated return of Gabriel Jesus is clearly a huge boost for Arsenal, but Arteta’s statement that he would have to contend for his spot demonstrates the depth of the team’s squad. With players like Nketiah, Martinelli, and Saka doing well in Jesus’ absence, competition for spots in the team is fierce, and the manager will face a difficult decision once the Brazilian striker returns to full fitness.