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Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has tipped youngster Eddie Nketiah to step in the shoes of the injured Gabriel Jesus.
THE LOWDOWN: INJURY BLOW
Arsenal have been on the rise in the Premier League this season before the World Cup break. Stars like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and new-man Gabriel Jesus have flourished in attack to help Mikel Arteta’s side climb to the summit of the league.
As we now near the end of the world cup in Qatar, the Gunners have been dealt a huge blow as Jesus suffered a nasty knee injury that required surgery. Arsenal have since provided on update on his status, confirming he will be away for a while.
Meanwhile, a stalwart in the side believes a youngster in Nketiah is capable of leading the line for the Gunners and why many continue to doubt his qualities, the Englishman has received backing from a highly-rated teammate.
THE LATEST: XHAKA’S SUBMISSION
Granit Xhaka believes Eddie Nketiah has the qualities to replace Gabriel Jesus in Arsenal’s attack while he’s away due to injury.
The Swiss international, while speaking to the Evening Standard, was full of confidence in the 23-year-old England youth international ahead of the return of Premier League football in the next few weeks.
Xhaka said about Jesus’ injury: “We have the option with Eddie, of course. He showed great games as well in the past and we need to support Gabi first. We need to support Eddie as well, because he will be a big, big part of the next two or three months. But I am looking forward because we have the quality to bring Eddie there and to help him.”
At the moment, Nketiah is Arsenal’s only fit centre-forward with Jesus now out on the sideline, it is expected that the attacker will lead the line this week in mid-season friendlies out in Dubai.
Eddie is yet to start in the Premier League this season because of Jesus, but has seen a lot of playing minutes in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
THE VERDICT: THE TIME IS NOW
Jesus’ injury has given Nketiah the chance to prove his worth. He has been a good backup to the Brazilian and now has the chance to impress the coach by scoring goals in the absence of the former City man.
His performances by the time the league resumes and the January transfer window will decide whether Arteta needs another striker or not.
