Why Mikel Arteta has to start Gabriel Jesus in surprise role for Arsenal on Premier League return

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Arsenal players have begun to return to North London to begin pre-season training ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Several Arsenal stars joined Mikel Arteta in Marbella for a surprise training camp during their holidays, but the bulk of the squad have now returned to start preparing for another Premier League title challenge.

Arsenal’s four Euro 2024 finalists will not return until after the upcoming tour in the USA, meaning that their preparations for next season will be disrupted.

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice started every game as England reached the final, with goalkeepers David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale benched for their nations.

Arsenal will kick off their Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 17th, and in the case of Saka, there is an argument to be made that Arteta should consider an alternative option on the right wing.

Bukayo Saka should be given extended rest after Euro 2024 final defeat

Saka was one of England’s better performers as Gareth Southgate’s side reached the final of Euro 2024, but were beaten by Spain in Berlin.

The winger had an exhausting season for club and country, starting all seven games in the tournament in addition to 47 matches across all competitions for Arsenal.

There is concern over burnout when it comes to Saka and his game time, and falling short in the Premier League title race and at the Euros is a lot for any player to take.

Saka should be eased back into the team in the opening weeks of the season, rather than thrown straight into the starting lineup without a full pre-season under his belt, and Gabriel Jesus should be the one to replace him.

Gabriel Jesus should start at right-wing in Arsenal’s season opener

Brazilian attacker Gabriel Jesus is aiming to have an improved campaign after a difficult year blighted by injury.

Jesus was sensational when he first arrived from Manchester City two years ago, finding his form in pre-season and starting the campaign in blistering form.

Injuries disrupted the start of his campaign, and he never truly got going last season. However, he took this summer off, missing the Copa America, and if he can stay fit in pre-season, he can reach his top form again.

Jesus started at right wing in Arsenal’s win over Man City in October last year, and performed superbly as Saka was absent with a rare injury.

Kai Havertz’s form as a centre-forward has put Jesus’ position in the team in question, and it now appears that he will have to settle for a rotational wing role.

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus from his height to girlfriend

However, if Jesus is given the chance to start the season, it could not only allow Saka an extended rest, but it could let him find his form and stake a claim for a starting spot again.