Arsenal handed major fitness boost ahead of Leeds United clash

Arsenal have been handed a major boost ahead of their clash with Leeds United as it has emerged that Gabriel Jesus is among the travelling squad for their trip up north to Elland Road.

The Gunners striker had missed several training sessions during the week, with the club insisting that it was just for rest purposes, and he did not feature at all in their midweek trip to Bodo/Glimt.

When asked on Thursday whether Jesus would be available for Sunday’s clash, Arteta revealed that he was still unsure.

“I don’t know. Obviously he has some discomfort after the game against Liverpool”, he explained.

“That’s why we decided not to bring him in [to Norway]. Let’s see how he is tomorrow [Friday] and Saturday.”

And it seems as though he has proved his fitness to the coaching staff, with the Brazilian pictured at Stevenage train station as the squad made their way up to Leeds on Saturday ahead of the clash.

Jesus’ influence on the side has been marked, with his return of five goals and four assists in nine games hiding the transformational quality he has provided the Gunners attack, with his pressing infectious and his link-up play excellent.

Meanwhile, young talent Khayon Edwards is also travelling with the Arsenal first team, having been part of the matchday squad against Bodo/Glimt, and the forward could be in line for his debut should he make it off the bench at Elland Road.

One man who has not made the trip, however, is Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Football.London reporting that he “is still yet to return to full fitness after struggling with a calf injury in the last few weeks”

Read more:

In defense of Ivan Toney | Why Gareth Southgate must consider a tactical tweak for England at the 2022 World Cup

Mikel Arteta singles out ‘phenomenal’ Arsenal star after Bodo/Glimt