Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has an obvious replacement for the stricken Gabriel Jesus
Arsenal have an obvious replacement forGabriel Jesus during his latest injury lay-off. Leandro Trossard has proven to be a shrewd signing by Mikel Arteta and is the player most suited to replace the Brazilian.
Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton in January for a fee of up to £27million. He may not be the mega buy that Mykhaylo Mudryk would have been but has arguably had a better impact than the Ukrainian would have done at the Emirates.
Trossard scored just one goal in 20 Premier League appearances. However, it isn’t just goals that Arteta wants from his strikers.
The Belgian also provided 10 assists for his team-mates in just 10 starts. He is the nearest player to Jesus that Arsenal have in their squad.
News broke last week that Jesus had undergone minor surgery on a knee injury. After spending three months on the sidelines last season, he is set for a number of weeks out of the team to begin this campaign.
The same knee was operated on and Arsenal now hope the issue will be fully resolved once he returns to action. But Jesus’ absence is a blow as Arteta wants to hit the ground running after last season’s late title anguish.
It could be a straight shootout between Nketiah and Trossard for the starting spot against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. A good case can be put forward for the latter.
Trossard not being a natural No 9 suits Arteta’s style of play. He is able to drift into different positions and link up with his team-mates across the front line and in midfield.
It would allow him and Gabriel Martinelli to interchange during a match, as he is far more comfortable occupying a wide position than Nketiah would be. Trossard made a difference at Wembley on Sunday, coming off the bench to score the late equaliser and take the match to a penalty shootout.
He has caught the eye in recent friendlies too and a full pre-season working under Arteta could work wonders in his favour. Jesus’ injury may just give him the chance to prove it.
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