‘Always’: Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Jesus has been doing something really ‘rare’ at London Colney recently

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Arsenal now know that victory against Oxford United tonight guarantees them a trip to Manchester City in the next round of the FA Cup.

Mikel Arteta has been speaking after of tonight’s tie and given an update on his squad.

It will be interesting to see how strong Arteta goes with this evening’s squad.

On one hand, the FA Cup offers him a chance to give some of his fringe players some valuable minutes.

There’s also the opportunity for a number of young players to have some involvement with the senior side.

However, Arsenal don’t play again until Sunday, which is ample recovery time for anyone involved.

Arteta could therefore put out a very strong side to give the Gunners the best chance of progressing.

After seeing Chelsea and Newcastle United being eliminated, it could be a good time to take the FA Cup seriously.

One player who certainly won’t be involved this evening is Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus.

However, Arteta has admitted that Jesus is pushing and leading his teammates at Arsenal and is still very positive.

The 25-year-old picked up a serious knee injury at the World Cup, and has had to have surgery.

Arteta has been coy on revealing any sort of return date.

He’ll hope Jesus is back to full fitness before the end of the season.

Jesus pushing his teammates at Arsenal

Speaking ahead of the match about the forward, Arteta said: “He is always around the place with a smile on his face, but he’s been really demanding, giving advice and protecting each other.

“He’s been leading with the team. That’s sometimes rare and difficult as well, especially for someone who has been for such a short time at the club.

“But he really has an impact, and we need that because they really follow him and listen to him and he’s a really likeable figure in the dressing room.”

The move to Arsenal has allowed Jesus to take more responsibility within a young squad, and he appears to have really benefitted from this.

He’s the same age as club captain Martin Odegaard and the pair certainly lead from the front.

Jesus was in the dressing room after Arsenal’s draw with Newcastle, potentially consoling his teammates after a frustrating result.

Eddie Nketiah is a player Jesus has already taken under his wing, and he’s clearly pushing his Arsenal teammate to improve in his absence.

Arteta will be pleased to see how dedicated the 25-year-old is to Arsenal’s cause while unavailable.

However, his manager will be desperate for Jesus to return to full fitness as quickly as possible.