Gabriel Jesus has not travelled with the Arsenal squad to Norway for Thursday's Europa League Group A clash against FK Bodo/Glimt, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
This development won't come as much of a surprise to Gunners supporters after football.london reported earlier in the day that the Brazilian striker missed the final training session at London Colney before the squad flew out in preparation for the return meeting with the Norwegian outfit.
Jesus came off the bench in the second half at the Emirates Stadium a week ago and claimed an assist for Fabio Vieira to make it 3-0. However, he won't get the chance to improve his goal contribution record on Thursday evening as he has been rested ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash against Leeds United at the weekend.
READ MORE: Arsenal press conference LIVE: Mikel Arteta on Gabriel Jesus, injuries, Mbappe and Bodo/Glimt
"We thought that with everything he’s been through in the last few weeks it was better that he stayed at home," Arteta told reporters during his pre-match press conference when asked for an update on the £45 million summer signing's fitness.
With that said, in what is fast becoming the Spaniard's trademark response regarding team news, he refused to confirm which other first-team players - aside from long-term injury absentees Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny - also haven't made the trip to Norway.
"A few players that were injured," Arteta added. "You will find tomorrow. I can’t give you everything." With Oleksandr Zinchenko the only other Arsenal senior player not spotted in Wednesday morning's training session, it's safe to assume he is a doubt to face Bodo/Glimt after missing the last two games.
Or perhaps, the Arsenal manager is confirming that some players picked up knocks against Liverpool and therefore haven't made the trip. Of course, all will be revealed around about an hour before kick-off at the Aspmyra Stadion when the starting line-ups are announced.
Now, the good news for the Gunners regarding Jesus is that there are no further injury concerns after being in the thick of the battle against Liverpool at the weekend when he was caught by Kostas Tsimikas' flailing arm which left him requiring treatment for several minutes.
But he can put his feet up, and cheer on his teammates from home on Thursday as he is expected to be back in training ahead of Sunday's trip to Elland Road where he should be raring to lead the line as Arsenal go in search of the result that keeps them top of the Premier League table.
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