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Gabriel Jesus set to return for Arsenal’s clash with Burnley

By Daniel on February 16, 2024

Journalist Chris Wheatley, appearing on Shots TV, provided a major update on Gabriel Jesus’ fitness ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Turf Moor to take on Burnley on Saturday.

Aside from their problems in front of goal, injuries have hampered Arsenal’s progress this season. In recent games, they appear to have overcome their troubles in front of goal. However, injury difficulties persist.

Fabio Vieira, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksander Zinchenko, and Gabriel Jesus were all absent from the 6-0 West Ham win due to injuries. The Gunners may have easily won that game, but they did not have their strongest squad available.

Some games will necessitate a stronger squad. In fact, with the Champions League resuming next week, Arteta could benefit from his key players returning from injuries. Only squad rotation could allow Arsenal to compete on both fronts as they pursue league and European glory.

Arteta, speaking to Football London, admitted to it:

“Well, we have to go game by game. With certain positions in recent weeks, we haven’t had a choice [to rotate]. We had a chance in matches to adjust the load of certain players. We have tried to manage them.”

Gabriel to face Burnley

Well, journalist Chris Wheatley says that Gabriel Jesus, whose long-standing knee issues have kept him on the treatment table, may be returning. He acknowledges that Arteta has not confirmed if he will travel to Turf Moor. However, because the injury is not thought to be significant, the journalist predicts that Jesus will face Burnley.

The Brazilian has been a key player since joining for £45m in 2022, but his time in London has been plagued by injuries. He’s missed Arsenal’s last two matches with a knee problem. With nine goals scored in this game, one can safely assume they did not miss him. Nonetheless, the former Manchester City player introduces a new dynamic to their attack.

On a good day, he is the driving force behind Arsenal’s assault. Despite criticism for his goal-scoring frequency, his availability for selection will be a huge bonus.

“Yeah, he’s on the mend from a knee injury, Gabriel Jesus. There’s hope he will be fit for Burnley. Mikel Arteta hasn’t confirmed it, but he did say it was a short-term issue, so there is a bit of positivity there. Jesus will hope to be available for that game against Burnley on Saturday,” Wheatley said on Shots TV as transcribed by TBR.

Arteta may have demonstrated in the last two games that he can win with the squad he has available. However, for his game plan to be effective in the long-run, he needs his top players fit. If Jesus is available for selection this weekend, it will be a big boost for Arsenal and Arteta will be delighted.