Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus appears set to make his first start for Arsenal in almost a year when the Gunners host Crystal Palace in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final.
Manager Mikel Arteta has indicated the Brazilian forward could be handed a starting berth at the Emirates Stadium, 345 days since his last appearance from the opening whistle.
The match represents a significant opportunity for Arteta, who is approaching six years without silverware at the club.
Should Arsenal overcome Oliver Glasner’s Palace side, they will face Chelsea in the semi-finals.
Arteta is expected to make changes to his lineup given the demanding schedule ahead, with six matches packed into a 20-day period.
The 27-year-old has been working his way back following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that kept him sidelined for 11 months.
Since his return, Jesus has featured as a substitute in three consecutive victories against Club Brugge, Wolves and Everton.
Tuesday’s fixture carries particular significance for the striker, who netted three times when Arsenal faced Palace at the same stage of the competition last season.
The match represents a significant opportunity for Arteta, who is approaching six years without silverware at the club
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That quarter-final triumph was followed by disappointment, however, as the Gunners were eliminated by Newcastle in the last four.
A starting role against Palace would mark Jesus’s first from kick-off since February.
When asked if the England star was ready to start, Arteta said: “Yes he is, and you can tell.
“You can see now, not only in games but every day in training how much he wants it so he’s going to deserve a chance soon.”
Gabriel Jesus appears set to make his first start for Arsenal in almost a year
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The Arsenal boss added: “It has been a real intense journey. When he joined us he lifted the belief, the spirit and the energy of the team and he gave something very different to what we already had and was very impressive.
“Then he had some very bad injuries and that hasn’t allowed him to have the consistency we need from a very important player.
“He is back and his fighting spirit, his desire to always prepare in the best way is unbelievable. The team is together now and we need to use it.”
Jesus could take the place of Viktor Gyokeres, who, despite scoring from the penalty spot in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday, has not found the back of the net from open play in his last six appearances.
Jesus could take the place of Viktor Gyokeres
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In midfield, Declan Rice continues to impress for Arsenal, with Wayne Rooney hailing him as the natural successor to Harry Kane as England captain.
Rooney saw Rice deliver another statement performance against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England skipper said: “I have to say, Declan Rice is incredible, and it was a pleasure watching him (on Saturday).
“He was all over the pitch and his decision making, when to pass it, where to pass it, what foot to pass it to, his detail on his pass, he was absolutely incredible. Obviously Harry Kane’s the captain, but he (Rice) is the future captain of England. He’s the one who’s probably waiting for Harry to hang his boots up at some point.
“Then he’s the right one to take over because just his drive, his personality, everyone seems to love him, who knows him, who’s close to him. He’s irreplaceable for England.”
