Gabriel Jesus is set to start his first game for Arsenal since he suffered a long-term knee injury whilst playing for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar
Mikel Arteta has explained his decision to start Gabriel Jesus in Arsenal's crucial Europa League round of 16 second-leg clash against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners head into the game tied at 2-2 on aggregate after failing to gain an advantage in the first-leg.
Eddie Nketiah is absent through injury and is not set to return until after the international break. Speaking to BT Sport ahead of kick-off, Arteta explained why he decided to hand Jesus a start against Sporting as he rotated his squad.
"We always said from the beginning of the season that we are going to approach every competition daily. The fact that you start in one competition doesn't mean you will continue [to start]," Arteta said.
"I think we've been very consistent on that. Today we picked the best team we believe is the best to start because it will be a long game.
When asked about Jesus' return to the starting XI, the Arsenal boss responded: "It's great! We really missed him.
"He's been out for almost four months and we all know that he has changed something in this team. To get him back, now we need him in the rhythm, scoring goals and transmitting what he transmits to the team, so hopefully he's in the right mindset today."
Jesus has not started a game for the Gunners since the 2-0 win against Wolves prior to the World Cup in Qatar. The Brazilian will hope he can grab a goal or two on his full return to the team and help Arsenal progress into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Arsenal line-ups vs Sporting CP as Gabriel Jesus starts, Turner dropped amid Smith Rowe’s chance