Ex-Arsenal man explains why ‘top’ £45m star must start over Trossard v Brentford

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Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has given his verdict on who should start upfront against Brentford on Saturday, and it’s not Leandro Trossard.

Trossard has been in impressive form recently, and particularly stood out for Belgium during the international break, but Campbell has claimed that the fit-again Gabriel Jesus should take his place int the starting XI.

The £45m signing has missed the last month of action with injury, but returned to play 90 minutes against Argentina at the Maracana this week, and will be available to Mikel Arteta.

Trossard has started through the middle ahead of Eddie Nketiah in recent games, and it is unclear which option will be given the nod on Saturday.

Campbell claims Gabriel Jesus should replace Trossard

Speaking on the Highbury Squad Podcast, Campbell claimed that whilst Trossard has done well, Jesus needs to be straight back into the lineup against Brentford.

“Jesus comes back in. Sorry, Trossard. I think Trossard is a top player, but he’s not Jesus,” he stated.

“Jesus gives us another dimension. I was hoping when Jesus went down that Trossard would have grabbed a few games a bit more, but he shared the load with Eddie a bit more.

“Jesus is the top man; he is the top man.”

Should Jesus start ahead of Trossard for Arsenal?

The forward’s fitness is in question despite his performance against Argentina, and it was a long way back from Rio De Janeiro for all three of him, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Trossard is in great form right now, and should keep his place upfront, with Arteta now able to ease Jesus back in from injury.

Throwing Jesus in from the start represents an unnecessary injury risk, and the key to this season will be keeping the Brazilian fit for as long as possible.

Jesus should get a cameo off the bench to help build up some momentum, but Campbell is wrong for wanting Trossard dropped for him immediately.

As the season progresses, Jesus will likely come back in for Trossard, but given the travel and fitness issues he has faced in recent days, now is not the time for it.

Arsenal have a busy, but somewhat easier schedule in the coming weeks. After a tough start which saw them face Manchester United, Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea already, the Gunners have just one loss in the league, and are set to face Brentford, Luton and Wolves in the next three games.

Three wins is the target for Arteta’s side, who will also aim to rotate his pack to keep everyone fresh, and Trossard seems to be the main candidate to start upfront for the first of the three games.