‘Unbelievable’ Arsenal star must replace Gabriel Martinelli v Porto, not Leandro Trossard

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Arsenal face a huge test as they aim to turn around a 1-0 deficit against FC Porto in the Champions League tonight, and Mikel Arteta faces several key selection decisions.

Arteta was handed a blow as it appears that Gabriel Martinelli will be unavailable for the match. The winger was withdrawn against Sheffield United with a cut on his foot, but missed Saturday’s victory over Brentford.

Leandro Trossard started ahead of him against Brentford, but put in a fairly underwhelming display, as despite his technical quality, he could not replace the Brazilian’s speed on the flanks.

Reiss Nelson came off the bench to add more urgency to Arsenal’s attack, whilst Gabriel Jesus also continued his comeback from injury, and the latter should now start tonight in the absence of Martinelli.

Gabriel Jesus must start for Arsenal against Porto

The 26-year-old has had a difficult season given his constant injury problems, whilst he has also received criticism for his finishing at times.

Kai Havertz has led the line well in recent weeks, causing problems with his physicality whilst also scoring four in his last four games.

Jesus has started on the wings on several occasions this season, including in a victory over Manchester City and in the North London derby.

He could now reprise this role to return to the starting XI to replace Martinelli. The Brazilian offers a level of goal threat and technical brilliance that would otherwise be missed, and his Champions League record alone makes him a necessity for such an important game.

Gabriel Jesus’ excellent Champions League record

Jesus scored four times in five group-stage matches this season, whilst also providing two assists as he helped Arsenal progress to the knockout stages in style.

One awe-inspiring performance came away at Sevilla, as Arsenal won 2-1 with Jesus proving clutch. He set up Martinelli’s opening goal with an outstanding assist, before firing into the top corner to double Arsenal’s lead, and ultimately secure all three points.

Martinelli described Jesus as “unbelievable” after the win in Sevilla, and Jesus’ pedigree in the Champions League overall, as a finalist and a goalscorer, is phenomenal.

The attacker now has 24 goals and seven assists in 42 games in the competition, which includes knockout strikes against Real Madrid and Liverpool. He will now hope to start tonight and add to his tally to help Arsenal progress to a first quarter-final since 2010.