Arsenal may have been dealt another huge blow as Bukayo Saka limped off injured for England in their defeat against Greece.
Saka has been a key player for Arsenal this season, leading the Premier League in assists as he stepped up to fill the creative void left by Martin Odegaard.
The Englishman has been a constant figure on the right wing, and he has also worn the captain’s armband on several occasions. Unlike one of his Arsenal teammates, Saka thrived leading into the international break.
Gabriel Jesus has continued to struggle with injury after a difficult season, but even after returning the Brazilian’s performances have been sub-par, with it clear that he is lacking in sharpness.
The 27-year-old’s long-term future is in doubt, having lost his starting role at centre-forward to Kai Havertz, and as one of Arsenal’s highest earners, Jesus is currently playing for his future.
England manager Lee Carsley claimed that Saka’s injury needs to be assessed, but if he is set for a spell on the sidelines, it could provide Jesus with the chance to revive his Arsenal career.
Gabriel Jesus could have fresh Arsenal opportunity to replace Bukayo Saka
If Saka is absent, the two most likely options to replace him are Jesus and Raheem Sterling. Sterling arrived in the summer on loan, and is a natural fit to slot in for Saka on the right.
Jesus is lacking in confidence, but at his best he is a key leader and a technically supreme attacker, who often thrives on the wings.
When Saka was briefly absent a year ago, Jesus started and performed superbly on the right against Manchester City, and he could now have the same opportunity.
Arsenal have a lot of fixtures coming up, and this could be the last chance Jesus has to fight his way back into the starting XI. If he can deliver in Saka’s absence, that may be his best route back into the team and to secure his future at the club.
Gabriel Jesus faces problem if he cannot replace Bukayo Saka
If Saka is absent and Jesus is selected to replace him, the Brazilian cannot afford to squander this opportunity.
With Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri also options, Mikel Arteta will not be forced into giving Jesus game time if he does not deliver.
It will be damning as a senior player if Jesus cannot nail down a starting spot with Saka absent, and when Arsenal’s injured stars return, this could spell the end of regular game time for the former Man City star.
A goal is needed soon for Jesus to boost his confidence, and he will need to remain injury-free to prove he can still be the perfect squad striker to cover across the front line.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
