Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Jesus has not travelled to Norway for tomorrow night’s clash with Bodo/Glimt.
The Gunners can take a big step towards qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa League with a win but have decided the Brazilian deserves a breather following his efforts on Sunday and with Leeds coming up next weekend.
Jesus took a heavy blow to the face in a clash with Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas and required lengthy treatment before winning the penalty that Bukayo Saka converted to seal a 3-2 win. It’s understood that he passed all the necessary on-field concussion protocols at the time.
“We thought that with everything he’s been through in the last few weeks it was better that he stayed at home,” Arteta told his pre-game press conference.
The boss wouldn’t be drawn on other absentees although it is believed fellow summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko is another not to make the trip.
The Ukraine international has been in and out of the side with a calf problem since joining in August.
“A few players that were injured,” said Arteta when pressed for more details on absentees. “You will find out tomorrow, I can’t give you everything.”
Matt Smith, Catalin Cirjan, Bradley Ibrahim and Khayon Edwards trained with the first team today and could be included on the bench.
Mo Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe are the club’s only long-term injury concerns.
Seems sensible he should have a few extra days off after that, Eddie’s got this
He will be back in 3 days. Come on Eddie, show em what you can do.
So pleased Eddie has looked such a beast & he will only get better with Jesus guiding him ! However ? Gabriel Jesus is the best signing we’ve made since Dennis Bergkamp purely for the impact he’s had at the club Tremendous with a capital T Have a rest for the Leeds tear up
Is that a joke? He has been fantastic for us but I don’t think you can recollect the talents that has graced Highbury and Emirates after DB signing. He has been good but c’mon it’s too early for this argument.
When did we sign Henry please? Remind me
Vieira, Campbell…. Interesting to see the others that have come in and the dodgy periods eg 2018/19 and the better times eg the last two seasons:
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fc-arsenal/alletransfers/verein/11
I’d say he’s the best since Alexis Sanchez
Personally, I’d rank Henry, Vieira – Patrick, that is – and Santi Cazorla above him at the moment. If he reaches those levels, then he might be in the reckoning.
His drive is astonishing. Fight thugs twice your size, get smashed. Come round and carry on. Win the penalty that wins the match.
Repeat.
Nwaneri not traveling?
He has got school.