Eddie Nketiah ready to lead the line for Arsenal in Gabriel Jesus’ absence
Arsenal have been dealt a major blow ahead of the new season as talisman Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out with a knee injury. Jesus is vital to the way Mikel Arteta’s side play and will come as a huge blow as they attempt to make a winning start to the season and mount another title challenge.
With Jesus out, Eddie Nketiah is ready to step up and lead the line for Arsenal. Nketiah deputised for Jesus last season when he was ruled out with an injury, scoring six goals in as many games when the campaign resumed. However, his form dropped off and he was eventually dropped for new signing Leandro Trossard.
Now, Nketiah faces competition to start the clash against Manchester City in the Community Shield, not only from Trossard, but also Gabriel Martinelli, Folarin Balogun and Kai Havertz. But the 24-year-old believes Arteta should put his faith in him especially after he scored and skippered the side against Monaco in their last pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
Nketiah: “I’m here to play and contribute to the team”
‘I don’t think I’m here to fill in for anyone. I’m here to play and contribute to the team,’ Nketiah told ESPN. ‘Obviously, I believe in my abilities and I know I can contribute. The manager has got a tough decision and whenever he calls me, he knows I can deliver and I can help the team, so it’s just about us all collectively playing our part to achieve our goals.
‘Playing at the highest level, competing for trophies and that’s what I want to do. That’s what I want to contribute. I pride myself on always being ready and whatever role the manager needs me to fill I will always make sure I do my the best and to the best of my ability so I can help the team. That’s what it’s all about.’
Competition for places
Nketiah faces competition from a number of players for a place in the starting lineup, but he is confident that he can make an impact when called upon. ‘We train hard every day to get the opportunity to play at the weekend. It’s what we play football for. Not just myself, there’s many players that can obviously play in that position. We’re all ready, we are all good players, we’re all able to contribute at different points in the season, everyone’s going to have different roles. It’s just about being ready and contribute and hopefully I can do that throughout the season.’
Conclusion
Eddie Nketiah is ready and waiting to lead the line for Arsenal as the new season begins without their talisman Gabriel Jesus. Nketiah deputised for Jesus last season when he was ruled out with an injury, scoring six goals in as many games when the campaign resumed. Now, Nketiah faces competition to start the clash against Manchester City not only from Leandro Trossard, but also Gabriel Martinelli, Folarin Balogun and Kai Havertz. But the 24-year-old believes Arteta should put his faith in him especially after he scored and skippered the side against Monaco in their last pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
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