According to Mikel Arteta, Eddie Nketiah's recovery from his ankle injury would take many weeks; therefore, Gabriel Jesus's arrival is ideal for Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Jesus, a forward for Brazil, came off the bench in Sunday's 3-0 victory at Fulham to make his first appearance after surgery for the knee injury he sustained at the World Cup.
Nketiah filled in admirably for Jesus, netting six goals in 12 games before an ankle injury sustained in the 4-0 victory over Everton on March 1 forced him to miss time.
Despite being without a recognized striker when Jesus and Nketiah were injured, the Gunners maintained an advantage of five points at the top of the Premier League.
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Arteta is happy to have former Manchester City star Jesus back in the fold as the title chase enters its final stretch. Arsenal also hopes to win the Europa League - they visit Sporting Lisbon in the last 16-second leg on Thursday.
It was beautiful to see him again. Everyone's happiness is palpable, Arteta told reporters.
He says he feels fine, and his sensations are improving every day of training, which is encouraging.
Nketiah will likely return to duty in the season's closing weeks, and Arteta said the youthful striker was fortunate to have avoided a worse injury.
He is improving, according to Arteta. He remains inside the boot. We must exercise patience because he is still a few weeks away. He has a significant task as a result of the severe injuries.
That could have been worse, thank God. He's not in a bad situation, then.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, two forwards who excelled in Arsenal's convincing victory against Fulham, caused Arteta selection difficulties because Jesus can now play Sporting.
After a 2-2 tie last week in Portugal, the match is in a delicate position. Although exerting all of his efforts to win the English championship, Arteta is not about to forfeit the potential to win a European trophy.
Arteta responded "No" when whether the Europa League hindered the title fight—big European nights last occurred three years ago. Due in particular to Covid.
Thursday is the first one in a while, so tomorrow. An excellent team will present a significant challenge for us, so we can create a large atmosphere and enjoy it with our fans.
