Mikel Arteta says one Arsenal star was ‘flying’ in pre-season, now he needs to ‘earn’ his place

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Arsenal have had quite a few problems since the start of the season.

The Gunners received two red cards in the Premier League in the first seven games. To add to that, they have had several injury issues as well.

That has made things far from ideal for Mikel Arteta, but the Arsenal manager has still kept his side unbeaten in all competitions this season.

Now, he’s slowly getting his players back to full fitness, and he has delivered his verdict on one of them.

Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Jesus needs to ‘earn the right to play’ more games

We were really excited about Gabriel Jesus before the start of the season.

The Brazilian looked in incredible shape during pre-season, and we were dreaming of seeing him back at his best once the campaign began.

However, Jesus suffered a groin injury after the first game of the season, and that kept him out of the side in the next two fixtures.

The former Manchester City man has started just three games in all competitions, just one of which came in the Premier League. That was against Southampton, and Jesus was really disappointing that afternoon.

Arteta was asked about the Arsenal number nine and he claimed that Jesus’ injury ruined his rhythm. He has to get that back now and then earn the right to play more games.

The Arsenal boss said, as relayed on HaytersTV: “He came back in great shape, probably the best condition since he has been with us. He was flying in pre-season but unfortunately, he got that injury straight away.

“That affected him for a few weeks. He put again a lot of work into it to come back. Now, he needs to get the rhythm. He has played a few games. He has started three games against Atalanta, Bolton and Southampton.

“So, he’s there, and now, he needs to earn the right to play more. He has got our full support. He’s a player who can play in various positions and he’s a very important player for us.”

Gabriel Jesus’ future depends on one thing

Jesus has entered his third year at Arsenal now.

The Brazil international was a superstar in his first few months at the Emirates, but since he suffered an injury during the World Cup in Qatar, he hasn’t been the same.

Arsenal have been urged by almost everyone to sign a new striker in each of the last few windows, and 2025 looks like it will be the year.

The only way that will change is if Jesus steps up and delivers in Arsenal’s colours from now until the end of this season.

If he doesn’t, we expect this to be his final campaign as an Arsenal player.