As Arsenal come to terms with Martin Odegaard’s injury blow, one star could use the captain’s absence as an opportunity to impress.
Mikel Arteta’s side return to Champions League action on Thursday night, facing Atalanta away from home to open their campaign.
The Gunners will travel to Bergamo without their captain, as Arteta confirmed the extent of Odegaard’s injury in his pre-match press conference.
It’s a huge blow for Arsenal, who will have to adapt to operate without the Norweigan’s creativity and leadership, with a significant test coming next against Atalanta.
Gabriel Jesus must take his Champions League chance at Arsenal
The Champions League is the biggest competition in domestic European football, with Arsenal hoping to one day get their hands on the prestigious trophy.
Arteta’s side carries two winners of the tournament, as Kai Havertz and Jorginho each have a winners medal to their name although, one figure stands alone as being the top performer.
Gabriel Jesus has a stellar record in the Champions League, with a monstrous 32 goal contributions in only 46 appearances throughout his career.
Arsenal saw last season just how impressive the Brazilian is on his day with the Champions League match ball at his feet, as he starred in the group stage in particular.
The striker netted four goals in the Gunners’ group stage meetings in 2023/24, rising as a reliable figure in Arteta’s XI in the tournament, something he must now repeat.
Things have taken a turn for the former Manchester City star since Havertz’s emergence, with injury and added competition seeing him slip down the pecking order.
Given the motivation that Jesus has in the competition, and how integral he was to Arsenal’s 2023/24 campaign, now must be the time for the 27-year-old to send a firm message to the manager.
Jesus can replace Martin Odegaard
It’s been a difficult few months for Jesus for reasons stated, with Havertz emerging as Arteta’s favourite to lead the line.
While it looks to be near impossible for the Brazilian to replace the 25-year-old at this time, there could be another way into the squad for the ex-City star to consider.
Now that Odegaard is set to miss the foreseeable future with injury, Jesus could be inspired to take the Norweigan’s spot in the number 10 role, a position the forward is more than capable of playing.
One of the 2022 signing’s best attributes is his ability on the ball, bringing a unique flair to the squad which could work tremendously well playing just behind the striker.
Though Jesus is technically outstanding and a superb ball player on his day, goals are not in his nature, as Arsenal have seen since his arrival, being far from a clinical outlet.
Arteta could pull off a masterstroke by utilising the Brazilian slightly deeper, taking the pressure to score away from him, where he can express himself in attacking midfield.
It could be a real triumph for Arsenal and a relief when it comes to finding a replacement for Odegaard, with the time now for the manager to test Jesus’ adaptability, in a competition that he loves so dearly.