Mikel Arteta has hinted at a role for Gabriel Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko will make his first start this term for Arsenal against Fulham.
Arsenal will aim to make it three in three in the Premier League when they host Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday. Mikel Arteta could still dip into the market for a new defender after Jurrien Timber’s injury. But the Spaniard comes into this game full of confidence with a near-fit squad.
Arteta’s pre-match press conference had a familiar theme of transfers and squad dynamics, including the possibility of starting Gabriel Jesus. Photos of the Brazilian training appeared on Friday. But the Gunners boss insists he’s been training the whole week and looking sharp.
Arteta said, “We’re really happy. Obviously, it was a big blow for him after the pre-season that he had to have another surgery, but he’s looking really sharp and trained the full week really well, so he’s ready to go.”
On whether he was ready to involve him against Fulham and on the possibility of starting, Arteta continued, “He’s ready to go, yeah.” Jesus had a minor arthroscopic procedure on his knee at the end of pre-season, and as per estimates, he returned at the right time for Arsenal.
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At the other end, Oleksandr Zinchenko could make his first start for the team, and so could Gabriel Magalhaes, who featured from the bench in the two games. The absence of Takehiro Tomiyasu through suspension allows Arteta to experiment with his squad and integrate the duo against Fulham.
Gabriel’s presence will allow William Saliba to move to the right and Ben White to his customary right-back role. Aaron Ramsdale will continue as Arsenal’s No.1 despite having David Raya waiting for his chance to shine.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey could change positions and sit at the base of midfield, allowing Declan Rice to play a progressive role on the left. The central striker’s role could also prove tricky to predict in light of Jesus’ potential return.
For now, Jesus may presumably start on the bench, although Arteta might decide on letting Kai Havertz lead the line instead of Eddie Nketiah. Jesus starting is also a strong possibility, although the German seems like the potential bet for tomorrow.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
