Zinchenko while backing Nketiah, said he is confident the young striker can step into the shoes of Jesus after the Brazil striker’s injury at the World Cup
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal versatile defender, Oleksandr Zinchenko, has said young Gunners striker, Eddie Nketiah will lead the club’s front line effectively and score goals in the absence of Brazil striker, Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian suffered a knee injury while playing for Brazil against Cameroon in the 2022 World Cup last group game and has since had surgery which will keep him out for an extended period.
The development has left the North London club short upfront but Zinchenko believes Nketiah, who is the back-up striker can step up and help the Gunners maintain their Premier League lead in the second half of the season.
He told the club’s website: “I have no doubts that Nketiah is going to do his job amazingly and everyone trusts him.
“We have such a great group of people. We have this feeling of togetherness.”
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Jesus’s absence is a blow to coach Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, being the club’s disputed first-choice striker. Since arriving at the Emirates in the summer from the Etihad, he has scored 5 league goals and provided six assists.
Nketiah, meanwhile, is yet to start a Premier League game this season, featuring 10 times from the bench despite signing a long-term deal at the club with hopes of playing more.
The 23-year-old striker is preferred in cup competitions where he has featured in all six Europa League fixtures as well as the League Cup, scoring three goals.
Given the position Arsenal find themselves in, Nketiah might have a limited period to impress after Arteta hinted that he might be forced into the January transfer market to get a replacement for Jesus.
