Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that he is unsure if Gabriel Jesus will be available for the Premier League clash against Leeds United on Sunday.
The Brazilian missed the trip to Norway in midweek as the Gunners beat Bodo/Glimt 1-0 to move top of their Europa League group, the first game all season that Jesus has missed out on. The 25-year-old has proved to be a sensational summer signing after completing a £45million move from Manchester City, scoring five goals and providing a further five assists in just 11 appearances.
Jesus won a crucial penalty which was converted by Bukayo Saka in the dramatic 3-2 win against Liverpool last weekend, but was on the receiving end of a few tough challenges which resulted in the Brazilian not being risked in the Europa League. Eddie Nketiah has proved to be a solid back-up for the Brazil international, but Jesus has offered something completely different in attack with his movement, strength and ability on the ball, and would be a huge miss in the Gunners line-up.
READ MORE: Arsenal must agree Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli contracts to stop Robin van Persie repeat
Jesus required treatment late on in the clash against Liverpool following a heavy collision with international teammate Allison and Virgil van Dijk. Mikel Arteta revealed that the 25-year-old was left out 'as a precaution' for the trip to Norway on Thursday, but it was thought that he would return to the matchday squad on Sunday.
When asked in his pre-match press conference whether Jesus would be available, Arteta responded: "I don’t know. Obviously he has some discomfort after the game against Liverpool.
"That’s why we decided not to bring him in [to Norway]. Let's see how he is tomorrow [Friday] and Saturday."
Arteta's assessment doesn't look promising for Jesus who could miss a second game in a row, leaving the responsibility to score goals with Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Nketiah. Oleksandr Zinchenko is still yet to return to full fitness after struggling with a calf injury in the last few weeks.
READ NEXT:
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Turner's distribution, Saliba concern and Arsenal desire
Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Matt Turner as Mikel Arteta's Arsenal prediction is proved right
Arsenal dealt major transfer blow as Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz signs new contract
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Leeds selection and the Arsenal tactical question Mikel Arteta must answer
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
