Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Jesus will not travel with Arsenal to Norway for a Europa League match against on Thursday.
The 25-year-old was hit in the head by an elbow from Kostas Tsimikas during Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Liverpool at the weekend. And Arsenal gaffer Arteta believes it is best to rest the Brazil international ahead of the game.
“We thought that with everything he has been through in the last few weeks we thought it was better that he was staying there,”
the Spaniard said.
Asked if there’s more of a target now the north London side are top of the Premier League, he added:
“I don’t know how other coaches and players approach the games against us. Obviously Gabi is a player that gets involved in a lot of physical contact. It is the way he plays, that is in his nature. It is up to the referees to protect the players.”
Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in the summer transfer window and has made an immediate impact, scoring five goals and assisting five more in 11 appearances across all competitions.
The striker has five goals and three assists in nine league appearances for Arsenal and will be expected to lead the line against Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday as Arteta’s side looks to retain first place in the table.
The Gunners lead Group A with six points after two games, two more than Bodo/Glimt, who are third and have played one more game. Arsenal defeated the Norwegians 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium last week and can advance to the knockout round with a win at the Aspmyra Stadion on Thursday.
The group winners are guaranteed a place in the last 16, while the runners-up will face one of the third-placed teams dropping out of the Champions League in a two-leg playoff tie.
