Trending 
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested that Gabriel Jesus could be handed his first start in almost a year when the club hosts Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.
With the Gunners facing a demanding run of fixtures, the Arsenal manager is considering changes as he looks to keep his squad fresh.
Arsenal, who sit top of the Premier League table, are eager to end a six-year wait for silverware and see the League Cup as a key opportunity.
The Emirates Stadium clash comes with added motivation, as Chelsea await the winners in the semi-finals.
Jesus has fond memories of this stage of the competition, having scored a hat-trick against Palace in the quarter-finals last season before Arsenal were knocked out by Newcastle in the semis.
Shortly afterwards, the Brazilian suffered a serious setback, rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, which ruled him out for 11 months.
Since returning to action, the 28-year-old has made three substitute appearances, and Arteta believes he is now ready to start.
The Arsenal boss praised Jesus’s attitude and determination, highlighting his hunger in training as a key factor behind the decision.
Arteta said the forward’s journey back to fitness had been intense, noting the positive impact Jesus made when he first arrived at the club by lifting belief and energy within the squad.
He added that injuries had prevented the striker from finding the consistency Arsenal needed, but insisted his fighting spirit and preparation levels since returning have been outstanding.
Jesus could replace Viktor Gyokeres in the starting line-up. While Gyokeres scored from the penalty spot in Saturday’s 1–0 win at Everton, he has failed to score from open play in his last six appearances, increasing the likelihood of rotation as Arsenal juggle six matches in just 20 days.
