GOAL’s Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts is expecting Gabriel Jesus to play this weekend despite previous injury concerns which saw him left at home in midweek.
Jesus appeared to suffer what could have been a concussion in the Gunners’ win over Liverpool last Sunday before BBC reporter Alex Howell took to Twitter to state that the striker avoided such an ordeal and completed doctor checks and protocol during the game.
However, the Brazilian didn’t make the trip to face Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League which had raised concern heading into the game with Leeds United.
Mikel Arteta eased those fears with his comments though as relayed by Watts.
Speaking on his YouTube channel on Thursday afternoon, Watts explained why Jesus didn’t make the trip to Norway:
“He knew he was going to wake up after that game feeling pretty battered and bruised so he’s been left behind.
“Mikel just said we felt that everything he’s been through in the last few weeks it would be better for him to stay at home.
“I’m told there’s no concern for him ahead of the Leeds game, he will be ok for that. It was just purely a case of giving him a little bit of time off, give him a little rest.”
TIF Thoughts on Jesus and Arsenal…
Has Jesus been Arsenal's best player this term?
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Dubbed a “superstar” during his time at Manchester City by Steve McManaman, Jesus has been a major player at the Emirates Stadium this season.
The £45m summer arrival has had a telling impact on those around him and improved others as a result as explained by Gabriel Martinelli.
He has already grabbed five league goals for the club and his fitness will be vital if Arteta’s side are to mount a sustained challenge for the Premier League title.