Mikel Arteta has hinted he is ready to hand Gabriel Jesus his first start in almost a year in Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
The Premier League leaders host Oliver Glasner’s side in the Emirates, who are desperate to end the club’s six-year trophy drought.
Jesus scored a hat-trick in Arsenal’s last eight win against Palace last season before falling to Newcastle in the semi-finals.
The Brazilian international then spent 11 months on the sidelines after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
But after three substitute appearances, Jesus could be unleashed from the start against Palace, with Arteta set to rotate a side facing six games in 20 days.
Chelsea awaits the winner.
Arteta said former Manchester City striker Jesus, 28, was ready to start.
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“Now you can see not only in matches but every day in training how much he wants it, so he deserves a chance soon,” he said.
“It’s been a very intense journey. When he came to us he raised the belief, spirit and energy of the team and he gave something very different to what we already had and that was very impressive.
“Then he had some very bad injuries and that prevented him from having the consistency that we need from a very important player.
«He’s back and his fighting spirit and his desire to always prepare in the best way are incredible. The team is together now and we have to use it.»
Jesus could take the place of Viktor Gyokeres, who, despite scoring from the penalty spot in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday, has not found the back of the net from open play in the past six games.
Published on December 22, 2025
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