Gilberto Silva backs Gabriel Jesus to turn things around

Despite going through a rough period, former Arsenal footballer Gilberto Silva reckons that Gabriel Jesus can make a comeback into Arsenal's starting XI. Silva heaped praise on the Brazilian footballer and believed that he can replace Kai Havertz in Arsenal's eleven if he remains fit. Since moving from Manchester City in 2022, Gabriel Jesus has mostly sat out due to injuries. In his debut season, a knee injury led him to getting sidelined for three months. Last season, he missed out on 16 games because of injury. 

On the other hand, Havertz joined the club last summer and made his way into Arteta's preferred starting XI. This season, he has netted six goals in all competitions, while Jesus has already missed two games due to a groin injury and has just one appearance for the club so far.

Nevertheless, Silva reckons that Gabriel Jesus can be Arteta's main man and labeled him as a better striker than Kai Havertz. 

"Jesus has suffered a lot with injuries and that really gets in the way. You break your rhythm and you always have to start over. It’s a huge challenge for any player."

"But injuries have had a big impact on Jesus’ loss of space, as he was out of action for a long time. It also opened up space for Havertz, who played in positions where Jesus would have played. He ended up doing well there. However, as a nine, Jesus has the potential to do more if he’s healthy. But Havertz came in so well that many people didn’t even think about his absences."

"Gabriel Jesus is clearly struggling for confidence right now", reckons journalist Charles Watts

Arsenal roped in Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City in 2022 on a long-term contract until 2027. Meanwhile, Journalist Charles Watts reckons the Brazilian footballer is lacking confidence in his game to make an impact. 

He feels that this could be Gabriel's last season unless he doesn't pull out something special. Watts is expecting Arsenal to rope in a forward, which would make it ever more difficult for Jesus. The journalist went on to add that Kai Havertz has gone way ahead of Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order and it will be difficult for the latter to turn things around.