Arsenal could find themselves without Bukayo Saka after the forward was forced off in the win at Crystal Palace and the games are coming thick and fast for Mikel Arteta’s side
Former England striker Alan Shearer has called on Gabriel Jesus to help fill the gap left by Bukayo Saka’s injury.
Saka was forced off off during the first half of Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace on Saturday. Mikel Arteta’s side still ended up with a comfortable victory, but there’s more concern when it comes to the England star’s availability during a busy December and January.
Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus scored his first league goals of the season at Selhurst Park, having bagged a hat-trick at home to Palace in a midweek League Cup win. Injuries have hurt Arsenal already this term, and the focus will now be on how they adapt.
“He will have to be assessed but we are pretty worried, yes,” manager Mikel Arteta said after the 5-1 win. While the full extent of Saka’s injury has yet to be determined, Shearer has made his own feelings clear.
“It will be a big loss for Arsenal,” Shearer said on Match of the Day. “[They will miss] not only Saka’s goals but his assists which is why I think it is important for Jesus to step up and try to replace him.
“He was having such a tough time in front of goal, but I think Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of credit because of what happened in midweek, he gets his goals and you can see the belief he would’ve had in training. He had to start him and it was a wonderful performance and it’s no surprise he was back in the goals.
“His all-around play I thought was very, very good today also. He was bringing players into the game with little touches, going in behind. You can see he’s got a pace about him again and he feels as if he belongs back in the team.”
Can Gabriel Jesus make up for the loss of Bukayo Saka? Have your say in the comments section
Arteta was full of praise for the Brazilian after the weekend victory. In addition to two goals from Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal found the net through Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice.
“I’m so happy, he fully deserves it,” the Spaniard said. He’s been so consistent, his work ethic, he’s been patient, you know.
“And at the end, a lot of the things that we have seen here happened actually in July, and some changes that he made and a lot of things that we discussed together. So, it’s a great sign and we’re really happy to have him back,” Arteta added.
The Gunners are back in action at home to Ipswich on Friday before starting the new year with trips to Brentford and Brighton. After that comes an FA Cup third round game against Manchester United, with the second North London Derby of the season following close behind.
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