Arsenal make decision on Champions League U-turn after rule change
Arsenal have made a decision on Gabriel Jesus for their Champions League squad for Wednesday’s Club Brugge clash following Cristhian Mosquera’s injury.
Arsenal are unlikely to include Gabriel Jesus in their Champions League squad for this week’s trip to Belgium to face Mirror sister title Club Brugge, according to football.london. The Brazil international has not played competitive football for 11 months but has been part of two of the Gunners’ last three squads.
Under UEFA rules, participating clubs can only temporarily replace an outfield player who has been ruled out for a significant period due to injury or long-term illness. This practical rule applies during the championship phase until the sixth day, scheduled for this week.
With Arsenal central defender Cristhian Mosquera expected to be out for six to eight weeks with an ankle problem, Arsenal could have replaced the Spaniard with returning striker Jesus. However, football.london reports that Mikel Arteta’s team is ready to keep their current line-up.
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The hope is that Mosquera can recover in time for their final two group stage matches against Inter Milan and FC Kairat in January.
The Spain U21 international was forced off the field in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brentford after twisting his leg in the turf.
Mosquera has enjoyed an impressive start to his Arsenal career since arriving from Valencia in the summer transfer window, but his progress has now been halted by this injury.
Meanwhile, center forward Jesus recently returned to the Gunners squad for the Brentford game, but he was not included in the trip to Villa Park.
Instead, he played in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Arsenal U21s on Saturday, where they beat Manchester United U21s 3-0 at St George’s Park.
Max Dowman and Charles Sagoe Jr were among the scorers. It is also understood that Jesus recently took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against fellow London-based Watford Colney.
“We have to see,” Arteta said when asked before the 1-1 draw at Chelsea whether Jesus would need to build up his fitness in friendlies before returning to the Arsenal fold.
“Obviously he’s been out for 11 months and you need that progression. You need to see how his body responds and what else he needs.
“The players we have as well, it has to make sense to have the right balance in the team. The good thing is it (Jesus’ return) is very, very close at the moment.”
Arsenal would secure a top-eight place with victory in Belgium against Club Brugge on Wednesday, although Arteta is expected to rotate his squad ahead of the Premier League meeting with Wolves.
Unfortunately, Jesus still won’t be eligible, although it seems likely that he will return at some point this month.