Nketiah ready to replace injured Jesus as Arsenal prepare for Premier League return

Eddie Nketiah is ready to step in for the injured Gabriel Jesus and stake his claim again within the Arsenal frontline.

Former England youth international Nketiah had appeared to be headed for the exit last season before a slew of late-campaign performances secured his Arsenal future.

With the arrival of Jesus from Manchester City, though, Nketiah has found himself down the pecking order as Arsenal have pushed on to top the Premier League.

However, an injury on World Cup duty with Brazil has seen Jesus sidelined following knee surgery, opening the door for his team-mate, who is prepared to seize his chance with both hands.

“Of course, it is an opportunity for myself,” Nketiah stated. “These things happen in football, unfortunately, so you’ve just got to be ready for the moment when it comes.

“I have been working hard, I’ve been working hard all season and I’m sure when I get the opportunity I’ll be able to come in and help the team.”

Gabriel Jesus has successfully undergone surgery to his right knee

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 6, 2022

Nketiah scored five goals in the club’s final seven league games last term and signed a new contract through to 2027 in June.

Arsenal are currently on their mid-season break enforced by Qatar 2022, but are hopeful they can pick up where they left off when the Premier League resumes.

Arteta’s men sit five points clear of rivals City at the top of the pile, with both teams having a game in hand on fellow top-four outfits Newcastle United and Tottenham.

They resume their campaign in a London derby against West Ham on Boxing Day, before facing Brighton and Hove Albion on New Year’s Eve.