Gabriel Jesus has posted an early team news hint ahead of Arsenal's crucial Europa League round of 16 second-leg clash against Sporting CP this evening. The Brazilian striker returned from a knee injury that has kept him out of action since the World Cup, coming on as a substitute in the 3-0 win against Fulham at the weekend.
Mikel Arteta was reluctant to place a timeframe on Jesus' return, allowing him all the time he needed to fully recover and play a part in the Gunners' crucial end to the season. Arsenal have maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table despite the Brazilian being absent from the squad for a number of months.
Jesus is now ready to fight for a starting spot in the team once again as he aims to help the north Londoners progress into the Europa League quarter-finals. The Gunners drew 2-2 against Sporting in the first-leg and are hoping they can book their place in the last eight with a win against the Portuguese outfit at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
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Ahead of the crucial meeting against Sporting, Jesus has hinted that he could start the game with a post on Instagram. The Brazilian posted a matchday graphic on his Instagram story ahead of kick-off as he looks to build-up his match sharpness and regain his place in attack.
Arteta could field a strong starting XI this evening to give the Gunners the best chance of securing their place in tomorrow's quarter-final draw. Arsenal face Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend which may see a number of players rotated to maintain fitness levels, giving Jesus a good chance of starting the game today after his cameo against Fulham.
Speaking ahead of the game against Sporting, Arteta said: "We are looking to win. We’re looking to do the same as we did in Lisbon but we’re going to have to do better than we did in Lisbon last week to win tomorrow."
When asked about Jesus' return, the Arsenal boss responded: "It was great to see him back, you can feel the happiness of everyone, the players and the staff around him. We missed him and now he’s back."
Despite Jesus' return, there was less positive news for Eddie Nketiah. Having been out for a couple of weeks with an ankle injury Arteta confirmed the striker was still wearing a protective boot and provided a timeline of a few weeks.
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