Arsenal icon Paul Merson has warned the Gunners that there will be a 'massive problem' if striker Gabriel Jesus suffers an injury problem over the course of this season. The Brazilian has impressed in his formative days at the Emirates Stadium, having only joined in the summer.
Jesus made the £45million switch from Manchester City, looking to fill the gap left by the outgoing Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 25-year-old has come to not only fix the concerns over the lack of a goalscoring centre-forward but also offers plenty on and off the ball in general play.
He has already made an impact on the pitch, scoring three and assisting three so far, with manager Mikel Arteta claiming he has raised the standards at the club. "I wouldn't like to play against him," the coach said. "I have never been a defender, but I can imagine they don't enjoy it [facing Gabriel Jesus].
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"He's so mobile, so intuitive and is always sharp and proactive to play in any moment and any phase of the game, and he's a real threat." Before shortly adding: "He's still disappointed in the dressing room because he said he could have scored four.
"That's the standard, that's the mentality. I think it lifts the standards with the way he's training every day and the way he's talking, and they are connecting."
The striker has made an impact, and his form will play a part in the Gunners making a top-four push and returning to the Champions League. However, Merson has warned that an injury could be huge to the side, should he pick one up during the campaign.
Speaking to SportsKeeda, he said: "I think Arsenal will make it [top four] ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, but a lot could change between now and the end of the season. Arsenal's top-four chances look a lot better this season.
"The problem is, they went 2-1 down against Manchester United, and Mikel Arteta immediately made three substitutions, which looked like a knee-jerk reaction to me at the time. They need to believe in themselves more, and Arsenal didn't play badly despite losing to Manchester United.
"If Gabriel Jesus gets injured, they have massive problems. Eddie Nketiah is a good lad, but playing and scoring every week is a different ball game. I don't want to say too much, but Arsenal are in a good position to secure a top-four finish, and I hope they can make it count this time."
It remains to be seen just how far Arteta can guide his men this season, however, the fitness of Jesus could be hugely dependent on their form. With so many games coming up, they will be hoping the Brazilian can be managed in the best way possible.
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