What Gabriel Jesus once said about playing as a winger is now very interesting after Bukayo Saka’s injury

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Arsenal are preparing to tackle future fixtures without the help of star player Bukayo Saka.

In what has been a campaign tainted by injury, Arsenal’s greatest fears were realised during the Gunners’ win over Crystal Palace.

Saka left Selhurst Park on crutches after being substituted in the first half, clutching his right hamstring.

It was later confirmed that Saka will miss ‘many weeks’ of action as a result, calling for other players to step up in his absence.

• READ MORE: Crazy Bukayo Saka stat emerges after his injury – it proves Mikel Arteta made a massive mistake at Arsenal

Gabriel Jesus has proven that he could replace Bukayo Saka at Arsenal 

While Jamie Carragher thinks Gabriel Martinelli can replace Saka, no one in the Arsenal squad can truly replicate what the forward does.

Saka is one of the Premier League’s best, emphasising just how difficult filling the void left by him will be for Arteta.

Focus is firmly on who will replace the 23-year-old however, there’s another story brewing from Arsenal’s attack, and that is the form of Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian has scored five goals in his previous two games, signalling his resurgence after a year where goals were scarce. 

In theory, the striker’s rise to form could be seen as a positive with reference to Saka’s absence, an idea made all the more intriguing given the 27-year-old’s versatility.

Back in 2021, Jesus told City Magazine of his ability to play in wide positions, where he commonly featured during his early days at Manchester City. 

“I feel comfortable out wide and can help my teammates and my team. I can make runs in behind, control the ball, make passes, make crosses, help in defending. As I say, I feel comfortable there,” the Arsenal star said.

Jesus then went on to explain his experience of playing as a winger before his move to England, which could alert Arteta.

“I have played with the national team there for two years. I started to play in the first team of Palmeiras as a winger as well and I played sometimes when I arrived here [Man City] as a winger as well. So I think I’m okay there.”

By the attacker’s own admission, Jesus could be the ideal replacement for Arsenal amid Saka’s pending absence however, there’s more to consider than the player’s judgement.

Mikel Arteta must tread carefully with Jesus’ position 

Being a player with experience in wide areas, and a talent with the traits required from a winger, Jesus would be a strong candidate to replace Saka.

That being said, given the struggles that the Brazilian has experienced this term, Arteta must think carefully. 

Moving Jesus to the wing could be detrimental to Arsenal, remembering the fact that the 27-year-old has only just relocated his scoring form.

Altering the four-time Premier League winner’s role at this moment could be make or break for Arsenal, Arteta and Jesus, who needs some consistency in the side.

While the number nine has made it clear that he can play in wide areas, the Gunners must give the forward a sufficient chance to shine before adjusting his role.