Arteta rules out Jesus Arsenal exit in January
Mikel Arteta has ruled out a January exit for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus after he made his return from injury recently.
Jesus suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January during Arsenal’s FA Cup tie with Manchester United, but made his return in the Gunners’ UEFA Champions League win over Club Brugge on Thursday (AEDT).
The Brazilian made a strong impression on his return, creating one chance for his team-mates before firing off three shots, one of which crashed against the crossbar.
Arsenal faces Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League as it looks to bounce back from a defeat to Aston Villa last time out.
Although Jesus is unlikely to start against the league’s bottom side, Arteta believes the 28-year-old must push for a spot in the first XI.
“No, I don't consider that and especially with the situation we have right now,” Arteta said when asked if he would consider selling Jesus in January.
“I think Gabby has a lot to offer to the team and he is proving that straight away in the first minutes that he was available to play.
“He has put so much [in] to be in this position again and now the focus is to be with us.
"A player of his quality, a player who has given us so much and when he comes with the energy he did the other day, he is certainly a player who has to be pushing and aiming [to start], that's for sure."
Arsenal has won its past eight Premier League games against Wolves, its longest winning run against an opponent since a run of 10 against Burnley from 2010 to 2019.
Arteta is wary of the threat Wolves could pose, encouraging his players to avoid complacency at Emirates Stadium.
“By understanding that a team in that position has to react and show their teeth,” added Arteta when asked how to be on guard against his upcoming opponent.
“That's a dangerous thing in this league and when every team has the quality they have. So [being complacent] is not going to happen.”
