sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
"It will cause problems..." - Arsenal legend concerned about one thing with the Gunners squad
Home>Football
Published 15:39 14 Mar 2023 GMT

"It will cause problems..." - Arsenal legend concerned about one thing with the Gunners squad

An Arsenal legend believes Mikel Arteta could soon have a dilemma.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

The return of Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus to full fitness could create a dilemma for manager Mikel Arteta, according to Gunners legend Paul Merson.

Jesus made his long-awaited comeback from knee surgery against Fulham on Sunday, playing the last 13 minutes of the 3-0 victory in place of Leandro Trossard.

It was his first Arsenal appearance since November, having suffered the injury during Brazil's World Cup campaign.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said of the Brazilian (quotes via football.london): "Big boost [having Jesus back]. The first step today.

Advert

"We didn't know if it was the right game today. He said to me a few days ago, 'I'm still missing something'.

"Yesterday I looked in his eyes and he said, 'I'm ready'. I said, 'OK!' So then we had the opportunity to throw him in. It's that first step to give him the big boost."

Prior to his absence, Jesus scored five goals and provided five assists in this season's Premier League in just 14 appearances.

His return was certainly a timely one for Arteta, with fellow centre forward Eddie Nketiah currently out with an ankle injury.

Trossard has been filling in up front for the Gunners, but the Belgian is a more natural option on either flank.

However, Merson believes that due to the Belgian's form, and Nketiah's run in the team before his injury, Jesus' return to full fitness could give Arteta a dilemma.

Merson on Gabriel Jesus

Speaking in his column for Sky Sports, Merson explained: "Gabriel Jesus coming back is a bit of a problem for Arsenal because the lad will want to play - he didn't sign to be a bit-part player like he was at Man City. It will cause problems in time, but at the moment it's like another signing.

"Leandro Trossard could play for Man City. It's an unbelievable signing for £27m. When his agent said to him he was going to Arsenal for that fee he must have thought, 'Is that all I'm worth?!'

"The lad could go in the Man City team on Tuesday and you wouldn't know any different, he's that good.

"But Arsenal play like Man City, if you put them in a light blue kit you would think they are. You don't get bigger compliments than that."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy / REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Jesus, Injury

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

Recommended reads

Thierry Henry picks player who will surprise everyone at World Cup – ‘There’s a guy people don’t know about...’GettyRonnie O’Sullivan says snooker star can win 'multiple world titles' and gives update on futureGetty'The only thing he can do is now is tar his career...' - Arnold Allen gives damning verdict on Conor McGregor's comebackGetty ImagesGareth Barry on Thomas Tuchel advice, England squad picks and World Cup: 'He’ll be fighting'Getty

Advert

Choose your content:

27 mins ago
an hour ago
11 hours ago
  • Getty
    27 mins ago

    Chelsea prepared to sell Joao Pedro to fund transfer for global superstar

    Pedro could leave Chelsea

    Football
  • Getty Images
    an hour ago

    Footage of Joao Pedro's family reacting to Brazil squad announcement is a painful watch

    Pedro was left out of Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    an hour ago

    Joao Pedro issues statement after being left out of Brazil's World Cup squad as Carlo Ancelotti addresses decision

    To the surprise of many, Pedro has been left out alongside a number of other big names.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    11 hours ago

    Carlo Ancelotti announces 26-man Brazil World Cup squad as Neymar call made

    Brazil take on Morocco in their opening group match on June 13.

    Football
  • Arsenal legend fears 'nervous' Mikel Arteta demeanour could cost Gunners the title
  • Craig Burley launches astonishing attack on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta over VAR controversy
  • Arsenal handed huge potential boost for Champions League final after PSG star suffers injury scare
  • Charlie Patino interview: 'I'm sure I will play for England or Spain one day... I have no doubt about it'