Gabriel Jesus was back in an Arsenal shirt on Sunday at Fulham after a lengthy lay-off due to a knee injury, but Mikel Arteta has warned him that he is not guaranteed a place in the starting XI.
The Brazilian injured his knee while playing for his country at the in and has been out of action until he made his return at Craven Cottage.
The striker came off the bench in the 3-0 win over the Cottagers, replacing 77 minutes into the comfortable win which restored Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Jesus had been first choice up front for the Gunners since signing from in the summer and is expected to return to that role now he is fit again, but Arteta has warned him that regaining his place in the starting XI may not be so easy.
‘Gabi has to earn his place like in any other team,’ said Arteta after the Fulham win. ‘We have alternatives… in relation to the chemistry of players and what we ask them to do. It’s a great problem to have, believe me.’
Jesus had a good chance to get back on the score sheet on his return but was clearly not at his sharpest as he could only manage a tame effort when through on goal, comfortably saved by Bernd Leno.
, who had netted five Premier League goals before the World Cup break.
‘It’s a big boost, the first step today,’ said the manager. ‘Gabi said to me a few days ago: “I’m still missing something.” Yesterday I looked in his eyes and he said: “I’m ready”. He looks free, he looks ready. To see him there with a smile on his face was a joy. I was really happy for him.’
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