Arsenal’s Road to the Carabao Cup Semifinals: Will Gabriel Jesus Start Against Crystal Palace?
Arsenal is set to face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday, and manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that Gabriel Jesus may make his first start in 345 days. The Brazilian forward has been recovering from a serious knee injury and has made three substitute appearances for the Gunners since his return.
Arteta expressed his confidence in Jesus, stating, “Yes, he is [ready to start], and you can tell. You can see now, not only in games but every day in training, how much he wants it, so he’s going to deserve a chance soon.” Jesus’s return to the starting lineup could be a significant boost for Arsenal, who are seeking to end their near six-year wait for a trophy.
Gabriel Jesus’s Journey to Recovery
Jesus suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee 11 months ago, which kept him sidelined for an extended period. However, he has been working tirelessly to regain his fitness and has shown promising signs in his recent appearances off the bench. Arteta praised Jesus’s “fighting spirit” and “desire to always prepare in the best way,” which has been impressive to see.
The Brazilian forward’s hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup last season was a memorable performance, and he will be looking to replicate that form if he starts on Tuesday. With Arsenal facing six fixtures in 20 days, Arteta may opt to rotate his squad, and Jesus could be given the opportunity to lead the line against Palace.
Declan Rice: The Future England Captain?
Meanwhile, Declan Rice has been impressing for Arsenal, and former England captain Wayne Rooney has hailed him as the natural successor to Harry Kane. Rooney praised Rice’s performance against Everton, stating, “He was all over the pitch, and his decision-making, when to pass it, where to pass it, what foot to pass it to, his detail on his pass, he was absolutely incredible.” With his impressive form, Rice is certainly making a strong case for himself as a future England captain.
Arsenal will face Chelsea in the semifinals if they can overcome Crystal Palace on Tuesday. The Gunners will be looking to end their trophy drought, and with Jesus potentially starting, they may have the firepower to achieve their goal. As Arteta prepares his team for the quarterfinal clash, he will be hoping that his players can rise to the occasion and secure a spot in the last four.
