£45m Arsenal star will ‘100%’ start in Porto second leg, but only on one condition

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Gabriel Jesus will reportedly start for Arsenal against FC Porto if the striker is fully fit enough to play next month.

The Brazilian international has been out of action for quite some time with Jesus‘ fitness becoming a real concern for Arsenal fans this season, with the attacker missing the entire month of February.

Whilst Jesus is closing in on a return to full fitness, worrying reports have indicated that the striker could require surgery in the summer if he is to get over this persistent knee issue that has kept the attacker out.

Gabriel Jesus will ‘100%’ start for Arsenal against Porto if fully fit

Yet according to journalist Charles Watts, the £45m attacker will start for Arsenal next month against Porto if the forward is fully fit enough to make the starting XI for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Gunners are currently 1-0 down against the Portuguese giants heading into the second leg in two weeks time, and Jesus being fit enough to make the XI would be a massive boost for Arsenal.

Indeed, progression in the UEFA Champions League will be a huge psychological boost for the north London side, and Jesus’ return to the line-up could help Arsenal overturn their 1-0 deficit against Porto.

Watts said on Jesus’ fitness: “A lot of the planning for Arsenal around Jesus and managing his injury is so he’ll be ready to play in the big games, and Porto is certainly one of them. If he is fit, he starts that match 100%.”

Arsenal will want every player fit to feature in the Champions League

Whilst the Premier League might be more of a priority for Arsenal given their incredible form in the division, the Champions League still presents a good opportunity for the Gunners to do something.

And Arteta having every player available for selection could be what gets Arsenal over the line against Porto, who will likely park the bus and defend like their lives depend on it at the Emirates Stadium.

Yet if the likes of Jesus are fit enough to feature, Arsenal should have no real excuses over their ability to beat Porto, who can get beaten if the Gunners push hard enough to overturn the current leg.