Mikel Arteta has explained his decision to start Gabriel Jesus in Arsenal's crucial Europa League round of 16 second-leg clash against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners head into the game tied at 2-2 on aggregate after failing to gain an advantage in the first-leg.
Speaking ahead of the clash in his press conference this week, Arteta was delighted to have Jesus back after the Brazilian came on as a substitute in the 3-0 win against Fulham last weekend. "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," Arteta said.
The Brazil international has missed the last 15 Premier League fixtures before making his return and is now set to help the Gunners challenge for the Europa League and Premier League title. Jesus Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have both been rested by Arteta, with an eye on Sunday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, replaced in the team by Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson.
